Lower winds help firefighters in S. California

SAN DIEGO, California (CNN) -- Firefighters battling two large brush fires in Southern California made progress in trying to bring the blazes under control late Monday, as the strong Santa Ana winds that fueled the flames over the weekend died down.

More than 5,400 acres have burned in the two blazes, one near Fallbrook, about 60 miles north of San Diego, and the other on the eastern edge of Anaheim. More than 1,200 firefighters were still working those fires Monday evening.

Audrey Hagen, a spokeswoman for the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, said 30 homes, 10 other buildings and two fire engines were destroyed by the Fallbrook blaze, which began Sunday afternoon.

She said 11 people -- none of them firefighters -- sustained minor injuries in the fire, which has burned 3,000 acres and moved into a canyon area on adjacent Camp Pendleton.

While the fire remains only 20 percent contained, Hagen said calmer winds have allowed fire crews to begin building fire brakes around the blaze. About 715 firefighters, including some from Camp Pendleton, are still on the scene.

"We've made good progress," she said. "The fire is not spreading."

EXTRA INFORMATION Santa Ana winds are formed by high air pressure in the Great Basin of Nevada and Utah and low pressure over the Pacific. The winds gain speed as they move through canyons and mountain passes, sometimes exceeding 100 mph in isolated areas. They are most prevalent in October through February, especially in December.  Gallery: The Fallbrook fire and its aftermath  Map: Southern California fires

Lisa Orbony, a spokeswoman for the Orange County Fire Authority, said fire crews expect to have the Anaheim fire under control by Wednesday evening.

That blaze has burned 2,400 acres and is 35 percent contained, she said. But no structures are threatened, and no injuries have been reported. About 500 firefighters are on the scene, she said. An air tanker dropped fire-retardant chemicals on the blazes Monday.

The Anaheim fire started Saturday, and the Fallbrook fire erupted Sunday. Santa Ana winds topping 50 mph helped fuel the blazes.

One report indicated the fires began in an area where trash had been burning.

Some Fallbrook residents used garden hoses to douse flames as the fire approached.

Bob Leonard, executive director of the Chamber of Commerce in Fallbrook, said at least 11 residents were taken to Fallbrook Hospital suffering from smoke inhalation.

Six others, who jumped into a swimming pool to avoid being burned, were treated for hypothermia.

In addition, two fire engines and a sheriff's cruiser were destroyed, Leonard said

One man said he managed to rescue his parents before fire reached their Fallbrook home.

"I got them out just in time. Just so they could save their lives. My dad's 84 years old. He's going to have his birthday on the 21st. This is not going to be a good birthday for him," the son said.