Fast-moving fire burns thousands of acres in forest near Los A

ANGELES NATIONAL FOREST, Calif. -- A fast-moving wildfire that has charred 3,200 acres forced the evacuation of hundreds of residents and threatened several homes Saturday on federal forest land, fire officials said.

About 1,000 firefighters were assigned to the blaze as flames quickly spread through dry, hilly terrain north of Santa Clarita.

There were no reports of injuries. One small building was destroyed.

Los Angeles County Sheriff's deputies helped evacuate a few hundred area residents, said Deputy Anthony Hawkins. About 100 horses were also evacuated.

Shelby Shively, who works in a cafe several miles from the fire, said she could see ashes the size of dimes floating in the air.

"The sky looks orange-yellow, and fire trucks have been passing by like mad since 11 o'clock," she said. "It's getting hazy around the mountains, too."

The fire was first reported about 10:30 a.m. By 11 a.m., officials began evacuating residents after a 15 mph wind pushed the blaze over a road toward homes. The canyon is home to 110 cabins, said Gayle Wright, an Angeles National Forest spokeswoman.

Flames got within 20 feet to 30 feet from some homes before hitting a firebreak created by firefighters, Los Angeles County Fire Capt. Brian Jordan said.

"These are people living in the forest," he said. "There are homes directly threatened."

The cause of the fire was unknown.

Santa Clarita is 22 miles north of Los Angeles.