Wildfire in Southern California threatens more than 300 homes

A fast-moving brush fire in Southern California has prompted mandatory evacuations for more than 300 homes threatened near Chino Hills, near the cities of Norco and Corona, according to the Riverside County Fire Department.

The “Highway Fire,” visible from miles away, was reported around 6:12 p.m., according to Jennifer Fuhrman, a spokeswoman for the fire department.

The fire has burned approximately 300 acres and is 30 percent contained, fire officials said. No injuries have been reported. The cause of the fire is not known.

More than 800 firefighters from at least six fire agencies are battling the fire, Cal Fire Capt. Mike Mohler told news media at the scene.

Two air tankers and two helicopters have been fighting the blaze, which officials said is spreading more rapidly than usual for this time of year because of the dry conditions created by California’s drought.

ABC News showed dramatic footage of horses galloping against a backdrop of flames burning in the heavy brush, and reported that equestrian evacuations are underway.

Residents living on Bluff Road, Homestead Road and Stagecoach Road are under mandatory evacuations.

“There have been a lot of animals evacuated. There’s a large animal rescue area in the city of Norco,” Cal Fire Capt. Mike Mohler told The Times.

The American Red Cross has opened an evacuation center at Riley Gymnasium, 3900 Acacia in Norco. An evacuation center for equestrian is located at Ingalls Park, 100 6th Street in Norco.

This post will be updated as new information is received.