Fire chief touts good news in Escondido

Escondido Fire Chief Vic Reed gave good news to city leaders tonight: calmer winds and statewide help to fight the massive Witch fire are working to slow its spread.

"This fire's laying down," Reed said. "We're going to see high humidity tomorrow."

A deep canyon area along the San Dieguito River bed is still of concern, near southeast Escondido, he said. But fire and city officials said they're still hopeful all city residents can return home soon.

The evacuated Mountain View and Hidden Trails areas could be reopened to Escondido residents as early as tonight or tomorrow morning.

The Witch Creek fire operations center set up at Kit Carson Park, however, will likely be there at least a week as firefighters keep battling the blaze.

- Elena Gaona