Southern California’s weeks-old Holy Fire nearly contained

LAKEPORT, Calif. (AP) — Authorities say a wildfire that has damaged or destroyed two dozen structures is on the verge of being contained after burning for nearly three weeks.

The U.S. Forest Service reported Friday that the Holy Fire burning in the Cleveland National Forest is 95 percent contained.

Full containment is expected Sunday.

The Holy Fire, named for Holy Jim Canyon where it began Aug. 6, has blacked nearly 36 square miles (58 kilometers).

At one point it prompted the evacuation of more than 20,000 people.

Authorities say it was deliberately set.

Forest Service rangers say some small spot fires continue to smolder in rugged terrain.

City News Service reports that the remaining crews were digging and filling in pits made by bulldozers to starve the flames of fuel.