Fire out of control: 3,500 hectares of land, vehicles and houses burning

About twenty vehicles that found themselves in the path of the spreading forest fire were destroyed on the state highway connecting Los Angeles and Las Vegas, reports the Patria news agency.

According to the latest data, around 3,500 hectares of forest and undergrowth are currently burning. The fire started on Friday at around 2:30 a.m. local time, reports Sky News.

In addition to cars, the fire has engulfed five houses, and another 50 are at risk. All available firefighting units are on the ground to prevent the fire from spreading to houses, but strong winds are hampering their efforts.

Three helicopters and two aircraft are involved in extinguishing the fire. According to available data, there have been no casualties from the fire so far.

Residents of the area around Baldy Mesa have been ordered to evacuate immediately. According to a police report, the fire was not set intentionally but is a consequence of four years of severe drought.