Wildfire is forcing evacuations in Lake Isabella area

A wind-driven wildfire has burned more than 2 square miles and is forcing hundreds of evacuations in the Lake Isabella area, authorities said.

Kern County fire spokesman Sean Collins says the blaze erupted Friday afternoon in the brushy high desert area north of California Highway 178 and was spread quickly by strong winds and light, flashy fuels.

Collins said 400 homes have been evacuated and 100 homes are threatened.

He said the fire slowed Friday night and is burning eastward in a confined area. No injuries have been reported.

About 200 firefighters are battling the blaze. Water-dropping helicopters were grounded because of the strong winds, but two air tankers made drops before nightfall.

Lake Isabella is a recreational destination about 110 miles north of Los Angeles.

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-- Associated Press