Hundreds Evacuated As Wildfire Threatens Homes

Three hundred homes were evacuated in southern California after a wildfire spread rapidly towards a populated area.

The blaze, which was first reported on Saturday, spread to at least 175 acres, according to Captain Mike Mohler of the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.

Firefighters have been unable to get access to the blaze - dubbed the "Highway Fire" - because of rough terrain in the Chino Hills, around 35 miles east of Los Angeles.

Mr Mohler said: "The fire is fueled by thick brush in a riverbed that hasn't burnt in years.

"The fire is creating its own weather, so firefighters are having difficulty getting in there.

"The fire is heading toward a populated area."

The fire is around half a mile north of Norco and Corona, which has triggered mandatory evacuation orders for around 300 homes. Those orders were later lifted on Sunday.

More than 300 firefighters are at the scene, along with two water-dropping helicopters and two air tankers.

The blaze is estimated at 15% contained and no injuries have been reported.

Earlier on Saturday, a 12-acre fire broke out near the Prado Dam.