Hundreds evacuated after California wildfire quickly spreads

An out-of-control wildfire that broke out in a forested basin near a Southern California dam triggered the evacuation of about 300 homes late on Saturday, authorities said. The evacuation orders were later lifted.

Authorities say the fire was reported shortly after 6pm on Saturday in the Prado Dam Flood Control Basin. The fire grew to about 300 acres by early Sunday and was 15 percent contained.

Captain Mike Mohler of the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection said firefighters on the ground were hampered by difficult access to the raging blaze.

“The fire is fueled by thick brush in a riverbed that hasn’t burnt in years,” Mohler said. “The fire is creating its own weather, so firefighters are having difficulty getting in there.”

He said the flames were about a half-mile north of a residential area along the border of the cities of Norco and Corona.

The fire, visible from State Routes 71 and 91, sent a large plume of smoke that could be seen miles away. The cause of the blaze was under investigation.