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CNN Sunday Morning

Wildfires Are Burning Across the U.S.

Aired July 29, 2001 - 08:02   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.
KYRA PHILLIPS, CNN ANCHOR: Now we begin out West, where numerous wildfires have blackened the landscape and blotted out the sun. Of the nearly dozen large fires now burning in seven states, there are three of particular concern.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

PHILLIPS (voice-over): It's a pivotal moment in Jackson, Wyoming. Firefighters are battling against a stubborn 5,000-acre blaze that's threatening hundreds of luxury mountain homes.

The air assault and ground crews have been barely able to slow the flames, which are pushed for a week by strong gusts of hot, dry wind. An abandoned campfire is the suspected cause.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I think we're going to -- we're going to get this thing and you guys just hang in there.

PHILLIPS: Anxious home-owners can only watch and pray as the fire swirls around their homes. In central Washington state, the 200 acre Lake Chelan fire was believed caused by a house fire. At least two other homes have also been destroyed as winds have pushed those flames into the dry hills. Dozens of other homes are also at risk.

In San Bernardino, California, exotic animals used in Hollywood movies were threatened by a brush fire in Cajon Pass.

JOE CAMP, JUNGLE EXOTICS: They had helicopters, they had planes, you name it. The minute they knew the animals were in jeopardy, they were here.

PHILLIPS: That blaze was believed to have been started by a passing freight train which may have sent sparks into the dry underbrush. About 300 firefighters in 10 aircraft succeeded in containing the fire by Saturday night.

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