North Las Vegas - The crash of a small plane near Las Vegas has killed four people and started a fire that is threatening homes.

Federal Aviation Administration spokesman Ian Gregor says the single-engine plane went down Saturday afternoon in a forested area. It then burst into flames and touched off a wildfire.

Fire officials say the blaze quickly climbed steep terrain in a recreational area and is threatening about 40 homes.

Authorities have recommended that residents evacuate. Federal authorities are investigating the crash.