Communities around Lake Tahoe were saved from the wildfire in California after improved weather helped firefighters control the flames.
“I feel like we are truly the luckiest community in the entire world right now. I’m so incredibly happy,” South Lake Tahoe Mayor Tamara Wallace said, The Associated Press reported.
Firefighters have been battling to save the area for days, thought severe winds and high temperatures were making the task difficult before Thursday.
“It’s finally a chance to take a breath,” said Clive Savacool, chief of South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue. “It’s a breath full of smoke. Nonetheless, I think we’re all breathing a little bit easier and we feel like we’re making some progress.”
Officials warned that dry conditions and winds are still a threat that needs to be watched closely, according to the AP.
The fire has been a particularly devastating one, causing thousands in California to evacuate their homes and destroying more than 2,000 structures.
There have been more than 15,000 firefighters battling the flames as California endures another terrible fire season.
Despite the destruction, no deaths have been recorded so far for the fire season, the AP noted.