Cost of Fighting Wildfire Tops $37M

The fight to contain the deadly Los Angeles-area Station fire has so far cost more than $37 million, the LA Times reports, and that’s not counting property damage or the cost to the environment. The blaze is still burning through the San Gabriel Wilderness, but it’s 42% contained, and no longer threatens any homes. Officials are clearing debris basins, worried that rains will bring heavy erosion.

The toll so far: Two firefighters killed and 10 hospitalized after encountering hazardous materials, including cyanide, in two separate incidents; 76 homes destroyed and 13 more damaged; 154,000 acres burned. Arson investigators continue to examine a suspicious substance found at what is believed to be the origin of the fire, and a $100,000 reward has been offered.



(More California wildfires stories.)