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King Fire now 35 percent contained, weather expected to worsen

After a few days of improved conditions, allowing firefighters to contain 35 percent of the King Fire, Tuesday and Wednesday will bring high winds and red flag warnings.

By Gabrielle Levy
UPI/Jess Geffre/Colorado National Guard
UPI/Jess Geffre/Colorado National Guard | License Photo

EL DORADO, Calif., Sept. 23 (UPI) -- Firefighters reported "great progress" battling the King Fire near Pollock Pines near Sacramento Tuesday, even as the blaze spread to Tahoe National Forest.

Cal Fire said the blaze is now 35 percent contained, almost twice what it was on Monday.

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Nearly 90,000 acres have been burned since the fire was allegedly set by an arsonist, Wayne Allen Huntsman, who is accused of setting the fire and then breaking into Pollock Pines' house to call 911.

Huntsman pleaded not guilty to felony arson on Thursday.

Some 12,000 homes and 9,000 other residences are still threatened by the fire, which has already destroyed 10 houses and 22 other buildings.

While weather helped firefighters on Monday, as the blaze grew less than 9,000 acres since Sunday, red flag warnings and high winds are now in effect through Wednesday at 8 p.m.

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