9 Aug 2013

Hundreds forced to flee California wildfires

5:43 pm on 9 August 2013

About 1500 people have fled their homes to escape a wildfire spreading rapidly through the mountains of southern California.

Two firefighters and a civilian have been injured since the fire started on Wednesday afternoon near the city of Banning, officials say.

The rapidly spreading blaze covered about 4000 hectares and was uncontained on Thursday morning, the BBC reports.

Fire officials said 15 structures had been damaged and aerial news footage showed several houses burning.

About 1000 firefighters were at the scene, supported by six air tankers and 13 helicopters.