The fire was reported just after 1 p.m. east of San Andreas after California Highway Patrol officers were investigating a report of a woman driving up Mountain Ranch Road as her car was emitting sparks, officials said.
Officers arrested Renee Hogan for driving under the influence, CHP said.
Investigators said they determined Hogan was driving her 2002 Kia Rio on a right rear rim that was creating sparks. Her vehicle later burned as the flames spread.
"We heard it and it sounded like it was running on a steel rim and then we immediately smelled the smoke from the vehicle and looked and there was a fire on the corner of the property," homeowner Eugene Brooks said.
Several homes were threatened as the fire spread to 450 acres Sunday afternoon.
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"You're always nervous. You get memories from the past," ranch owner John Mondino said.
No buildings were burned in Sunday's fire, but some residents were forced to evacuate.
With wildfire season in full swing, Cal Fire is pleading with homeowners and drivers to be careful.
"Ninety percent of the fires that we have every year are human caused, and most of them didn't have to happen," Cal Fire spokesperson Nancy Longmore said. "They could have been prevented."
Neighbors were left to help put out hot spots near their homes and said they were relieved the fire wasn't worse.
"Somebody better talk to that lady," Mondino said. "That's all."
Hogan now faces several charges related to the wildfire.
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