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© AFP Photo / Justin Sullivan
A wildfire about 35 miles (56 km) east from Los Angeles, California, has forced the evacuation of 300 homes, burning about 300 acres of land. It's reported to be quickly approaching residential areas.

About 800 firefighters are battling the fire, along with two water-dropping helicopters and two airplanes. At least nine local fire departments have been scrambled, but have only managed to bring about 15 percent of the affected area under control so far.

Firefighters' access to the burning area is hindered by difficult terrain and changing wind direction. "The fire is fueled by thick brush in a riverbed that hasn't burnt in years," says Captain Mike Mohler, head of the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. "The fire is creating its own weather, so firefighters are having difficulty getting in there."

The wildfire has been dubbed the 'highway fire', as it spread near the intersection of two major freeways.

The blaze is spreading towards populated areas, says Captain Mohler. However, no injuries have been reported so far, and no houses have been burned.


The mandatory evacuation of 300 local homes was said to be a precaution. American Red Cross opened evacuation centers for local residents, as well as their horses. The evacuation order was lifted early on Sunday morning.

The blaze started near the Prado Dam in Chino Hills, California, which creates the Prado Flood Control Basin reservoir. It is not yet known what started the blaze, but California is experiencing the fourth year of a severe drought. Last year, wildfires burned a territory of over 630,000 acres.