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500 firefighters ready

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L.A. County Fire Department Inspector Scott Ross said the weather was kind to the fire effort overnight. No winds and high humidty kept the fire from spreading, he said.

‘The weather held things in check,’ Ross said. ‘Everything was pretty calm last night, and we’re expecting favorable conditions today. He said about 500 firefighters were expected to be on the lines by midday. They’re coming from L.A. County Fire Department, California Department of Forestry, Orange County, Long Beach and Camp Pendleton. They will be aided by five fixed-wing aircraft and 10 helicopters that will be dumping fire retardant and water on the blaze.

Ross was standing at the fire station, which is situated next to a football field, where a helicopter was landing. The town of Avalon was shrouded in ash and smoke. Ross said only a few structures burned, including at least one house. The number of people who evacuated the island varied widely, but officials estimated that 3,300 people left the island, including 300 full-time residents.

Ross said one of the main barriers to tackling the fire was getting firefighters to the scene. ‘We’re really limited on access,’ he said. ‘We don’t have enough cars and vehicles to get firefighters to the line.’ In addition, firefighters have to keep clear of the wildlife displaced by the fire, including snakes.

--Sam Quinones in Avalon

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