Predator Drone Being Used To Fight California Wildfire

Keeping an eye out for new flare-ups

GROVELAND, Calif. (AP) — As crews advanced against a giant wildfire around Yosemite National Park, fire commanders said they would maintain use of a Predator drone to give them early views of any new flare-ups across in the remote and rugged landscape.

The Rim Fire expanded to 301 square miles, but crews had a productive day Wednesday and containment increased to 30 percent. Cooler temperatures and lighter winds aided the firefighters.

Increasingly confident fire officials said they expect to fully surround the blaze in three weeks, although it will burn for much longer than that.

''We continue to get line around this fire,'' California fire spokesman Daniel Berlant said. ''It's not nearly as active as it was last week.''