New Wildfire In San Bernardino Is One Of Ten Currently Burning California

A fresh wildfire engulfed a few homes and threatened others early Thursday in Southern California’s San Bernardino, officials said, stunning residents who awoke to rushed evacuation orders as the blaze raced from the hillsides into at least one neighborhood.

The Hillside Fire -- which started sometime after midnight in vegetation above San Bernardino -- quickly consumed about 200 acres, officials said, and is one of at least 10 active wildfires in a state plagued by them in recent weeks.

Strong winds Thursday threaten to stoke the flames further.

With winds stronger than 50 mph expected in some areas, more than 17 million people in Southern California are under red flag warnings -- meaning wind, humidity and other conditions are ripe for fires.