Fast-Moving Southern California Wildfire Torches Homes, Forces 4,000 to Evacuate

Thousands of people are under evacuation orders as a fast-moving wildfire threatens homes in Riverside County, California.

More than 300 firefighters are battling the Highlands fire.  Three air tankers and three helicopters are among the resources being used to fight it.

The blaze started Monday afternoon in Aguanga and grew to 1,200 acres by 9 p.m. and 2,200 acres by 5:45 a.m. on Tuesday, according to CAL Fire.

The fire remained zero percent contained on Tuesday.

At least three structures have burned fire spokesman Jeff LaRusso told the Associated Press.

The region is sparsely populated but there are horse ranches and a large mobile home site, LaRusso said.

Winds of 20 to 25 miles per hour with higher gusts were quickly spreading the flames.

The first evacuations came around 7 p.m. and the area expanded as the evening continued.

A reception and care center for evacuees was opened at Great Oak High School in Temecula.

An animal shelter in San Jacinto was taking in animals impacted by the evacuation.

The cause of the fire was under investigation.

Southern California was seeing its first significant Santa Ana wind condition. The strong, hot, dry, dust-bearing winds typically descend to the Pacific Coast from inland desert regions during the fall.

They have fueled some of the largest and most damaging fires in recent California history.