Fast driving Santa Ana winds burned thousands of acres, destroyed at least one home and forced hundreds of people to flee their homes on Wednesday, May 1, 2013. The fast-moving brush fires forced the evacuation of a number of horses and other animals and created a huge smoke cloud that stretched for miles, seriously affecting air quality in the region.
Smoke cloud above devastating brush fire
The fast-moving brush fires fueled by Santa ana Winds near Banning California forced the evacuation of hundreds of people, several horses and other animals and created a huge smoke cloud that stretched for miles.
The wildfire about 90 miles east of Los Angeles broke out just after noon and was moving westward through largely undeveloped foothills of the San Bernardino Mountains, but it was dangerously close to subdivisions to the south, in Banning.
At least 425 firefighters were working to gain control of the fast-moving fire, which has destroyed one structure, said Jody Hagemann, spokeswoman for the county fire department. Six helicopters and six air tankers were making water drops.
Fire fighters were able to take advantage of a lull in winds Wednesday night and reported that the fire was 35 percent contained.
Referred to as "The Summit Fire," the blaze had charred at least 2,950 acres according to reports and outran fire fighters fighting to contain it and protect homes.
Warnings had been issued for extreme fire danger prior to the eruption of the fire, and federal officials released a report saying that the potential for wild fires in California and other parched areas of the West would be above normal during the summer months.
An evacuation center was opened in Banning.
Fire officials said they were hoping to make significant gains before stronger Santa Ana winds and warmer weather kicked in. Temperatures in the 90's and gusts of wind from 50 to 75 mph were forecast for Thursday afternoon