Hundreds Flee, Homes Burn, and Three Hurt in California Fires

A thousand firefighters are battling a wildfire burning out of control in Southern California's San Jacinto Mountains 90 miles east of Los Angeles.

State fire spokeswoman Julie Hutchinson says the fire is still officially at 6,000 acres — more than 9 square miles — but that's expected to increase after a Thursday morning mapping flight.

Flames are being pushed from west to east by a steady wind.

Fifteen structures are known to have burned since the blaze erupted Wednesday afternoon, but it's not known how many are homes. Two firefighters and a civilian have been injured.

About 1,500 people have been evacuated from small communities.

[Associated Press]