Wind-Driven Fire Chars 500 Acres in San Bernardino County, California

YUCCA VALLEY, Calif. (AP) -- A wind-driven wildfire burned 500 acres of brush in San Bernardino County on Monday, threatening dozens of homes and prompting residents to flee, authorities said.

There were no immediate reports of injuries or damage, said Tracey Martinez, a county fire spokeswoman.

The fire sprung up around noon in Yucca Valley, about 114 miles east of Los Angeles, when a welder working on a home ignited a bush. The flames quickly spread into Joshua Tree National Park.

Authorities called for voluntary evacuations after the fire edged near about 60 homes, though all residences were out of danger by nightfall, Martinez said. A shelter was set up at a local school.

About 150 firefighters aided by fixed-wing aircraft struggled to cut lines around the blaze in the face of 25-mph gusts.

The fire was 15 percent contained Monday night, with full containment projected for Tuesday.