Cool weather fails to tame raging fires

THE hot Santa Ana wind that has been driving California’s most destructive wildfires in history was giving way to cooler, more humid conditions yesterday, but that did little to tame the blazing tide as crews fought to save more homes.

Dense morning fog mixed with the heavy smoke hanging over San Diego as Pacific air moved in, but an expected change in wind direction was likely to push fires in new, dangerous directions.

Gusts up to 35 mph were forecast in San Diego County, where firefighters heading out to the lines were warned to be careful.