USA: Firefighters battle a large fire in southern California that is spreading fast and forcing many residents to evacuate homes in Orange County

A fast moving huge bush fire has already scorched 500 acres in southern California, forcing many residents to evacuate their homes in Orange County. Firefighters are battling whipping winds and very dry conditions. A fast moving brush fire has burned 500 acres in Orange County, California and is threatening hundreds of homes Sunday (March 11). The fire which began Sunday morning has already burned two structures and at least 200 homes have been evacuated. Hundreds of firefighters are battling very dry conditions and whipping winds. While helicopters are dropping water all over the area and more mandatory evacuations could be necessary. Police say a burning car is to blame for the brush fire. All of Southern California is under a red flag alert, meaning the risk of wildfires is high due to dry conditions.

ITN Source | March 12, 2007