加州野火迫使500人疏散

Fire authorities say a fast spreading bush fire in Northern California's Lake County has destroyed several buildings, forcing more than 500 people to evacuate.

The blaze is one of a string of wildfires threatening homes in the West, where several regions have endured drought for some time.

California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection said the fire broke out Wednesday afternoon in Lake County, about 180 kilometers north of San Francisco.

By early Thursday, it had covered more than 1,000 hectares. Officials said the fire traveled at a rapid rate and rugged terrain made access difficult for firefighters.

Local fire officials said about 10 blazes were active in California, which is in its fourth year of record drought.