31.   A fire raging through the Sierra and into western Nevada slowed Wednesday as winds decreased, humidity increased and thousands of firefighters battled the blaze.

32.   A firefighter who suffered severe burns while battling a blaze which killed one of his colleagues, died in a hospital Wednesday, state television reported.

33.   A military Chinook helicopter assisted firefighters on the ground, but strong winds prevented any firefighting planes from battling the blaze.

34.   A military Chinook helicopter assisted firefighters on the ground, but strong winds prevented any fire-fighting planes from battling the blaze.

35.   A firefighting boat from a nearby port also helped battle the blaze.

36.   A Russian rescue ship and Korean fishermen continued battling the blaze on Friday, ITAR-Tass said.

37.   About three dozen firefighters battled the blaze Sunday and a helicopter dropped water on the flames, said Division of Forestry spokeswoman Chris Kintner.

38.   Already saddled by low water pressure, the firemen had a difficult time battling the blaze as vehicles abandoned by panicked residents blocked roads leading to the fire scene.

39.   At Jackson, fire officials planned to assess safety and progress in battling the blaze before deciding whether to allow residents to return, Carvelho said.

40.   At the plant itself, officials unveiled a monument to the firefighters who battled the blaze for days after the blast.