Crews continue to work to contain 1,000-acre Monte Fire near Lakeside

Efforts continued Thursday to contain a brush fire that has blackened an estimated 1,048 acres as of Thursday afternoon near El Monte County Park.

Firefighters had the Monte Fire at about 25% containment.

“The fire continues to burn at a slow to moderate rate of spread,” Cal Fire said.

“Crews were able to take advantage of favorable weather conditions overnight. The fire is still burning in a remote area with steep, rocky terrain. Fire crews will continue focusing on building and improving containment lines. 

“Because the area is so remote and hard to reach by ground, crews are being shuttled in by helicopters. Evacuation orders…