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American Morning

Cooler Weather Assists Firefighters in the West

Aired August 21, 2001 - 11:24   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
LEON HARRIS, CNN ANCHOR: As parts of the western hemisphere are finding out today, there's a good and a bad side to foul weather. In the Western U.S., cooler weather and lighter winds are helping firefighters get a handle on some of the big wildfires that have blazed across the region over the last few weeks. The situation is especially bad in the Pacific Northwest, but a storm system with heavy rain is now headed to the region.

Let's get the latest from the ground. CNN's Lilian Kim is in the hard-hit town of Leavenworth, Washington -- Lillian.

LILIAN KIM, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Leon, this Bavarian-themed town is very close to the icicle creek fire, one of the of the more serious fires that's been burning in the West, but crews are making great progress. That fire is now 30 percent contained.

And there's even more good news. Rain is expected to hit the Pacific Northwest as early as today.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

KIM: But Until then, crews are setting controlled burns in hopes of getting rid of dry vegetation that could quickly fuel flames, just one example of how firefighters are making progress against blazes that have so far charred nearly half million acres in the West. Although dozens of fires continue to burn throughout nine states, rain is in forecast, giving firefighters hope they can gain more ground but they have a long road ahead. Crews say building containment lines around existing fires isn't easy. Many of the fires they're dealing with are in steep remote areas, so building containment line around them could take a while.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

KIM: And there's also concern that winds may come before the rain is expected to hit this region, so firefighters are on alert, preparing for whatever may come their way.

Reporting live from Leavenworth, Washington, I'm Lillian Kim.

Leon, back to you.

HARRIS: Thank you, Lillian.

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