GLENDORA (CNS) – Crews battling the 3,634-acre Williams Fire in the Angeles National Forest north of Glendora worked today to extend containment lines around the blaze, which is raging along steep and craggy terrain.

The fire, which broke out in San Gabriel Canyon around 2:15 p.m. Sunday, was 24 percent contained as of 7 p.m. Tuesday, according to the U.S. Forest Service.

Firefighters were working in steep terrain to contain the flames burning north and east through medium to heavy brush untouched by fire for 15 to 20 years, according to the Forest Service. The blaze was not expected to be fully contained until Sept. 13.

The National Weather Service, meanwhile, said there is a slight chance today, tonight and again Thursday and Thursday night of thunderstorms that could trigger dry lighting and churn up gusty winds, increasing wildfire concerns across the Southland.

Seven firefighters have suffered minor injuries while battling the blaze, but all were treated and returned to duty, said the Forest Service’s l’Tanga Watson.

A total of 1,142 firefighters, including 34 hand crews, were deployed against the fire on Tuesday. They were backed by 10 helicopters, 63 engines, eight bulldozers and 11 water tenders, according to the Forest Service.

Temperatures have been high and humidity has been low, adding to the difficulty of fighting the blaze, officials said.

Firefighters have been working to protect structures in the Camp Williams area, which was evacuated along with San Gabriel Canyon, although 25 people decided to stay.

The fire began in the Camp Williams trailer park along East Fork Road off of San Gabriel Canyon Road, also known as state Route 39, Watson said. The cause remained under investigation.

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