Firefighters injured fighting wildfire

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - An evacuation order was lifted Monday as crews made progress against a wildfire in the Santa Cruz Mountains that had threatened about 85 homes.

Residents of the rugged area north of the coastal city of Santa Cruz were allowed to return to their homes during the early afternoon, state fire spokesman Justin Smith said.

The fire consumed 485 acres, less than the previously estimated 600 acres. Fire officials said the lower estimate came after crews were able to compile a more accurate assessment from the air.

A trailer and two outbuildings have been destroyed in the blaze.

Crews laying hoses and clearing vegetation were helped when winds eased after gusting to about 40 mph on Sunday.

"That has absolutely been a huge benefit," Smith said.

The fire was 55 percent contained Monday night, and officials said they expect to have the fire contained Tuesday.

The fire began early Sunday in Santa Clara County then spread to Santa Cruz County. The cause remained under investigation.

About 1,700 firefighters were fighting the blaze. Four suffered minor injuries.

The fire was burning in the same place a wildfire scorched 4,200 acres in May 2008.