Cooler weather aids firefighters: Favorable conditions help control one-third of California blaze.

Firefighter advancements: Increased humidity and cooler temperatures enable progress against fire.

Fire origin: Blaze started by man pushing burning car into gully.

Fire's extent: Fire scorches 627 square miles since igniting on July 24.

Terrain challenges: Rugged landscape complicates efforts to contain the massive fire.

Lassen Volcanic National Park threat: Fire nears park, causing closure due to danger.

Inaccessible areas: Difficult terrain hinders use of heavy machinery, prolongs firefighting.

Structure destruction: Fire destroys 572 structures, damages 52, evacuations continue.

 Aircraft deployment: Clear skies allow helicopter and aircraft assistance in firefighting.

Weather concerns: Triple-digit temperatures pose ongoing risk for fire spread.

 Other Western fires: 85 large blazes burn across Western United States.

International impact: Canadian firefighter killed by falling tree while battling blaze.