At the hospital

Bryan Ballard, CEO of Catalina Island Medical Center, said : "The hospital was evacuated at 3 p.m. and we moved our six patients into the City Council chambers," where they remained late Thursday.

-Louis Sahagun in Avalon

Moving mainland

L.A. County Sheriff's Dept. Sgt. Pete Cacheiro said hundreds of people were being evacuated from Catalina on Catalina Express ferries. One carrying about 180 people had already arrived at San Pedro harbor, with another carrying about 380 soon to arrive at Long Beach Harbor. Other ferries were being loaded in Avalon Harbor.

Cacheiro said those who came in on the boats would be taken to two locations: Cesar Chavez Park at 401 Golden Ave in Long Beach and San Pedro High School, 1001 W. 15th Street in San Pedro. Both were being staffed by the Red Cross, he said.

Cacheiro spoke from the county's emergency operations center in East Los Angeles, which was activated late Thursday afternoon in response to the fire.

-Rebecca Trounson

Homes threatened

At 8:20 p.m., Avalon Fire Chief Steve Hoefs said: "We're in danger of losing the Birdpark Canyon Housing complex of 30 to 40 homes." He also said that he had received a report that power was out at the historic landmark known as the Avalon Casino. The fire also threatened a city public works area.

Avalon City Counciman Scott Nelson said: "It was due to happen, a hundred year fire."

-Louis Sahagun in Avalon

Evacuation begins

Boats are taking hundreds of Avalon evacuees off the island to Long Beach and San Pedro. One just arrived in San Pedro, the other should arrive soon in Long Beach.

-Rebecca Trounson

Flames near fire station

Standing outside a nearly empty Avalon City Hall about 8 p.m., his hands on his hips, Joe Voci, 85, a resident of Avalon since 1956, shook his head in dismay, muttering, "The biggest mistake the Catalina Conservancy ever made was getting rid of those goats -- the goats kept the darn brush down."

About 8:10 p.m., 30- to 40-foot-high wind-whipped flames could be seen about an eighth of a mile from the entrance of the Avalon fire station at the base of the foothills as a water-dropping helicopter whirled overhead.

-Louis Sahagun in Avalon

'Looks like a volcano'

Dozens of people watched the fire from the top of Signal Hill, 26 miles away. Even from that vantage point, the wall of flames on the islands were clearly seen.

"It looks like a volcano erupting," said Kevin Lembke of Long Beach.

-Jeff Rabin

Getting very close

About 7:45 p.m., the fire had reached the edge of town. Enormous 20 to 25 foot high flames could be seen near the high school and cemetery by many residents along the corner of Beacon Street and Sumner Avenue, where there are many vintage woodframe and stucco homes.

"This is it," said resident Terri Hernandez. "It's on its way now."

Considering island evacuation

L.A. County Fire Department officials say the fire is still about 500 plus acres and is now a quarter to half mile from the city.

Capt. Mike Brown said there are 160 firefighters on the ground, with additional units arriving at Catalina by land and air. He said the department has requested help from Los Angeles City Fire Department, as well as Orange County and the state.

Brown said he did not anticipate a need to evacuate the island itself, but said there were contingency plans in case that is needed. "If we need to get people off the island, we do have the ability to transport people via Catalina Express and other vessels," Brown said. "I don't think it's going to evolve to that. I strongly believe we have the resources on the ground and enroute to handle this."

-Rebecca Trounson

Watering down roofs

Several residents in town could be seen on rooftops hosing down the homes as the fire marched forward. City workers were telling residents that they may have to evacuate the entire island.

-Louis Sahagun in Avalon

Fire marches toward Avalon

About 7:30 p.m., the fire continued to move over the ridge and down the hill toward the city, in some cases flames could be seen about a quarter mile away. About a dozen hotel workers, who appeared to be among the last people to leave the area, were traipsing down to the waterfront, covering ther faces with towels, bandanas, scarves and jacket sleeves.

--Louis Sahagun in Avalon