Fire officials in southern California announced that as of Thursday evening the Etiwanda wildfire burning outside of Los Angeles had grown to over 1600 acres and was just over 50 percent contained.

The Etiwanda Fire reportedly sparked at around 8 a.m. PST on Wednesday. In two days it burned through 1,627 acres of land in the North Etiwanda Preserve, in an area north of Rancho Cucamonga. The cause of the fire is still under official investigation.

"Good progress was made [Thursday] along the edges of the communities, and crews have continued to work today to improve all lines and to limit fire growth," officials said. "Crews are strengthening containment lines to provide increased structure protection."

As of Thursday night no structures had been lost to the fire, and all mandatory and voluntary evacuations had been lifted. The Etiwanda Preserve, however, remains closed to visitors because of fire-related dangers.

Firefighters said they are currently working on strengthening existing fire lines in Rancho Cucamonga and constructing new lines as well as extending hose lines in the foothill areas of Deer and Day Creek Canyons. Structure protection engines are patrolling the neighborhoods near the fire perimeter to protect from damage and potential future blaze-ups.

Firefighters will continue to work through the night to gain a stronger hold on this wildfire. High temperatures forecast to be in the mid-90s combined with a low relative humidity of five percent on Friday will "continue to challenge the firefighting effort," officials said.

As of Thursday night and moving into the day on Friday the total personnel assigned to fighting this wildfire is 929. This includes 19 crews, 55 engines, four dozers, six water tenders as well as two air tankers that are on standby and available for use, weather-permitting.

It's anticipated that winds will lessen Thursday night, allowing firefighters to use aircraft to battle the blaze beginning on Friday morning.

A Type II Incident Management Team, Southern California Team 1, has had command of the Etiwanda blaze under Incident Commander Walker since early Thursday.

The fire is currently under united command between the United States Forest Service, CAL FIRE, Rancho Cucamonga Fire and the San Bernardino County Sheriff.

Check back for additional updates and details on the Etiwanda Fire, which will be reported as soon as they are made available. 

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