Southern CA residents evacuate ahead of fast-moving wildfire

(CNN) -- A fast-moving wildfire raged across Southern California early Thursday, threatening neighborhoods and forcing people from their homes.

The fire, which was first reported Wednesday, quickly grew from 300 to 6,000 acres, according to the Riverside County Fire Department.

"It's heart-wrenching. It's very heart-wrenching," Joanne Trosper told CNN affiliate KTLA, after watching the fire consume some of her neighbors' homes in Poppet Flats. "Anytime the fire comes, it's bad memories, but this is the worst one yet."

Some 500 firefighters, supported by three airborne units, are battling the blaze west of Los Angeles.

Mandatory evacuations are in effect for the communities of Vista Grande, Mt. Edna, Poppet Flats, Twin Pines and Silent Valley, fire officials said.

It was not immediately clear how many people were affected. Authorities reported no fatalities, but three injuries.

An evacuation center was set up at an area high school.




CNN's Diahann Reyes contributed to this report.