LOS ANGELES, Sept. 9 -- The largest wildfire by acreage in the history of Los Angeles in the western U.S. state of California was 100 percent brought under control, authorities said on Saturday.
"The minimally smoldering 7,194 acres (2,911 hectares) are now 100 percent contained due to the relentless work of your firefighters," Erik Scott, a public information officer at the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD), made an announcement on Twitter.
The fast-moving wildfire has torn through La Tuna Canyon in Los Angeles County since Sept. 1, prompting emergency proclamations by Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti and California Governor Jerry Brown. The fire, threatening homes and critical infrastructure, has forced the evacuation of hundreds of residents and triggered the closure of a major highway.
At the peak of the wildfire, there were 1,061 firefighters on the scene. The number of firefighters continued to drop as they gained the upper hand of the battle against the wildfire.
"Proud of the strength, bravery and collaboration that our LAFD displayed as they worked to contain the La Tuna Fire and keep Angelenos safe," wrote Garcetti on Twitter Friday.
Weather change including cooler temperatures and rain has helped firefighters in the battle against the blaze this week.
Five homes and five outbuildings were destroyed by flames of the La Tuna Fire.
The cause of the fire remained under investigation.