Wildfire In California Destroys Many Homes n Famous Diners

The blaze, which began as a small patch of flame next to Interstate 15 and has become known as the "Bluecut Fire", has scorched 15,000 acres of the San Bernardino Mountains.

The wildfire in California has destroyed many homes and a famous diner used by stars including Elvis Presley and Clint Eastwood.

At least a dozen homes have burned down as the flames gather pace through drought-parched canyons east of Los Angeles, with the fire now burning over 28 square miles.

Among the buildings destroyed is the Summit Inn, which has touted its celebrity clientele, including Eastwood, Presley and Pierce Brosnan.

The diner, which opened in 1952 at the crest of Route 66, was known for its red leather booths and walls adorned with memorabilia.

Mandatory evacuation calls went to 34,506 homes with 82,600 people from Wrightwood to the sprawling high desert town of Phelan. 

The fire forced a shutdown of Interstate 15, leaving commuters stranded for hours. 

California Governor Jerry Brown quickly declared a state of emergency in the fire area, freeing up special resources and funds for the firefight.

"This fire is burning in significantly different terrains at multiple elevation levels," said Eric Sherwin of the San Bernardino Fire Department. 

Hundreds of animals, including dogs and horses, have also been evacuated.

By nightfall, the wildfire had churned up and over ridges and was descending into the Mojave Desert. 

"The smoke is on the desert floor," said Mr Sherwin. Snaking walls of flame rising 50 to 100 feet high turned nearly two dozen square miles of chaparral to ashes.

"I can confirm that we've lost structures, both residential and commercial," Mr Sherwin said at the scene of a hard-hit cluster of ranches. 

"I'm looking up here and I'm seeing buses, I'm seeing outbuildings, I'm seeing houses."

Six firefighters were briefly trapped by flames at a home where the occupants had refused to leave.