BANNING (CNS) - Crews expect to make further progress today containing
the Wolf Fire south of Banning, which has scorched nearly 2,500 acres.

Evacuation orders and warnings remained in place today for the
stubborn 2,414-acre blaze, which was still just 55% contained, authorities
said.

``Today fire crews made good progress increasing the containment line
and hitting interior hot spots,'' according to a Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire
Department dispatch. ``Their continued efforts are making noticeable
improvements daily. With favorable weather conditions over the next couple
days, improvement on the line should be expected.''

Crews continued with night operations, increasing the containment line
while searching for hot spots,'' officials said.

Nearly 1,100 firefighters and other personnel were battling the blaze,
along with 80 engines, 14 water tenders and 15 bulldozers.

A total of 32 hand crews were also working the lines and hot spots.

Road closures and evacuation orders and warnings remained in effect
for an area south of Interstate 10.

An evacuation shelter was established at Hemet High School, 41701
Stetson Ave., and an animal shelter was being offered at the Riverside County
Department of Animal Services' San Jacinto Valley Animal Campus, 581 S. Grand
Ave.

The fire began just after 3 p.m. Sunday at Old Banning Idyllwild Road
and Wolfskill Truck Trail. Numerous firefighting air tankers from throughout
the state flew fire suppression missions.

Three firefighters sustained non-life-threatening injuries.

No structures were reported damaged as of Thursday morning, but more
than 4,200 structures were said to be threatened. Fire officials expect full
containment of the brush fire by Monday, July 7.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Crews Continue Effort to Snuff Wolf Fire