Some 4500 residents of the southern California town of Wrightwood, 75 kilometres east of Los Angeles, were forced to evacuate due to a racing wildfire, officials said.

The blaze, only 10 percent contained, broke out on Saturday in the nearby San Bernardino National Forest.

The wildfire is threatening the 2000 homes in Wrightwood, which was evacuated early on Sunday, authorities said.

Thousands of firefighters were rushing to the area, with reinforcements arriving from the border city of San Diego and several greater Los Angeles towns.

California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger declared a state of emergency in San Bernardino county due to the fire.

AFP

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