Evacuation orders are listed for two communities after containment and rain reduce threat.
DYLLWILD, Calif. — Aided by heavy rain in the mountains above Palm Springs, Calif., firefighters in Southern California were starting to turn the tide Sunday on a wildfire that has burned more than 40 square miles, destroyed a handful of homes and forced the evacuation of thousands of people.
The Riverside County Sheriff's Department announced Sunday that evacuation orders for Idyllwild and Fern Valley, Calif., were lifted because increased containment and rainfall have reduced the threat from the Mountain Fire. Only residents and business owners would be allowed back at first, the department announced.
The department also canceled its evacuation warning for Pine Cove, Calif., whose residents received a notice Friday that they should be ready to leave.
STORY: Calif. officials ask for wildfire emergency
STORY: Thousands flee wildfire in California mountains
STORY: Thousands flee wildfire in California mountains
The fire's size and containment held steady overnight as crews made "great progress," said U.S. Forest Service spokesman Steve Gut on Sunday.
Firefighters built more line overnight between the fire and the Palm Springs area, and the fire area got 1 to 1.5 inches of rain, he said.
"With diminished fire activity, firefighters made great progress with line construction, particularly along the east side toward Palm Springs," said U.S. Forest Service spokesman John Miller.
The Mountain Fire burning outside Idyllwild and Palm Springs, was still far from extinguished.
Visitors won't be allowed back in the communities until 11 p.m. PDT, the sheriff's department said.
The mountain wildfire began Monday and has burned across about 42 square miles. It has destroyed 23 structures, including seven homes.
The fire was less than two miles from Idyllwild on its western flank. It was a similar distance from Palm Springs below on the desert floor.
Authorities have said the fire was human-caused, but wouldn't say whether it was accidental or intentional. There have been no reports of injuries.
More than 2,600 firefighters were battling the blaze Sunday, using bulldozers, helicopters and other equipment.
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