A wildfire north of Los Angeles has scorched 9,000 hectares and destroyed seven houses. Fifteen-hundred residents have been forced to flee their homes. More than 400 houses were ordered evacuated Thursday as high winds fanned flames closing in on the rural community of Green Valley.
Some people defied the order and stayed to protect their houses, hosing them down with water. Fire captain JoAnn Cantos says the area is unsafe for residents.
"People should not be around here," she said. "They are not out of danger until the fire is out. The winds could shift. Anything could happen."
The area 80 kilometers north of Los Angeles is home to many ranches. Fleeing residents hurried to lead their horses and sheep to safety.
Others nearby are prepared to evacuate.
"All of our vehicles are packed," a resident said. "We've been ready for that since yesterday."
The fire started Wednesday. Authorities say it was sparked accidentally by a welder's tool.
More than 2,000 firefighters are battling the blaze, which was 10 percent contained on Friday.