Rain Gives Firefighters Edge On Waldo Canyon Fire In Colorado Springs, Full Containment Expected This Week [PHOTOS]

Rain showers helped calm the Waldo Canyon Fire burning in Colorado Springs, Colo., giving firefighter the upper hand on the aggressive blaze. Full containment is expected this week.

Officials are now reporting that the Waldo Canyon Fire is 90 percent contained after burning more than 18,200 acres. It has been labeled the most destructive in Colorado's history, as 346 homes have been lost and some 32,000 people were evacuated. Many of those evacuated have started returning home.

The blaze began on June 23, three miles west of Colorado Springs. Three days later, the wildfire exploded eastward toward the city and began engulfing several neighborhoods.

The cause of the fire remains unknown, but an investigative team says it has found the spot where the fire started, according to KRDO.com. They are still seeking the public's help with any leads that could help determine the cause.

Officials report that the plan of action includes continued power pole replacement work and some mop-up activities.

45 Active Large Fires Burning Elsewhere

While things are looking up in Colorado, other parts of the nation are still battling raging wildfires.

The National Interagency Fire Center on Wednesday reported there are now 45 active large fires burning. There were eight new large fires and more than 30 burning in nine western states, according to information released by the center.

The majority of the fire activity is currently in the Eastern Great Basin, which includes Utah, Wyoming and southern Idaho, the fire center's report stated. The fires in Montana, Arizona and New Mexico continue to moderate.

Start the slideshow to see photos of the destruction and residents returning home.