As California fires rage for fourth day, hopes rest on winds easing

Interstate 5, the main north-south highway link between Los Angeles and San Diego, was closed in both directions because of the smoke produced by the fires.

The punishing winds, along with unstable thermal conditions and strained firefighting resources have stymied efforts to contain the fires since they began.

Forecasters said today that the Santa Ana breezes that have fanned the flames will begin to weaken late this afternoon, followed by cooling sea breezes, The Associated Press reported. The wildfires have destroyed almost 1,300 homes.

“By Thursday, we’re expecting it to be pretty much over,” said Noel Isla, a meteorologist at the National Weather Service’s San Diego office, according to the A.P.

If the winds do abate, it could significantly help in fighting the fires by permitting aircraft to dump water and fire suppressant on the blazes. “If the weather cooperates, maybe we can turn the tide,” Michael Chertoff, the secretary of Homeland Security, said on Tuesday.

President Bush, who declared southern California a federal disaster area on Tuesday, plans to visit the area on Thursday.