Firefighters expect full containment in Mandeville brush fire in Brentwood

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The Mandeville Canyon brush fire which charred about 55-acres in the Brentwood area is still about 95 percent contained as of Monday night as firefighters continue to monitor the terrain and put out hot spots.

The flames were 95 percent contained by a line of cleared vegetation this morning and new crews of firefighters replaced the firefighters who worked all night, according to Los Angeles Fire Department spokesman Brian Humphrey. "LAFD operations will continue throughout the night and well into tomorrow with ground crews on patrol and LAFD helicopters available,'' Humphrey said.

We are now learning more about exactly how the fire started and what homeowners need to do to protect their homes.
 
Karen Mattison, who lives in the house where the fire started said each year she and her neighbor follow the county's mandate and hire a gardening contractor to clear the brush on the hillside behind their home.

The heat from the machine, which had been on for hours, touched the dry brush and caused the fire.
 
LA county fire officials say she did exactly what homeowners should do, hire professionals.
 
They also say  it's important not to use metal edge cutting tools because the blades can hit rocks and cause a sparks. Also, have a fire extinguisher or hose nearby, work in teams and clear the brush on cool, less windy days before 10 a.m.

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