Most Destructive Calif. Fire Nearing Containment

SAN MARCOS (AP) — Authorities say they expect the most destructive of Southern California's recent wildfires to be fully contained by Thursday.

The blaze in northern San Diego County is about 90 percent surrounded Monday.

State fire Battalion Chief Nick Schuler says crews are busy checking for hotspots.

The fire erupted Wednesday in San Marcos and destroyed 36 homes and a business. It's one of about a dozen wildfires in the northern county that exploded through populated brushlands during days of hot and windy weather.

All together, the fires burned 44 houses, an 18-unit apartment building and two businesses.

Most have been contained.

The first blaze started Tuesday and was caused by a spark from construction equipment.

Schuler says the causes of the other fires remain under investigation.

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