PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Fire officials are upbeat about their progress in fighting a wildfire in Oregon's wind-swept Columbia River Gorge that destroyed one home, damaged two others and threatened more than 700 others.

Crews focused Friday on burnout operations to deprive the fire of fuel and improve containment lines. Firefighters also worked to create more defensible space around homes in the small town of Rowena.

Incident Commander John Buckman says firefighters "turned the corner today and things are looking much better."

Even the winds, which have gusted to 30 mph, were expected to die down.

The fire has burned across about 5 square miles since it started Tuesday. It's about 35 percent contained. The cause is still under investigation.

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