Wildfire approaches homes in Riverside County, Calif., outside Los Angeles, Feb. 28, 2013. / KCBS-TV/CBS
RIVERSIDE, Calif. Flames from a ferocious wildfire burned palm trees along residential streets and came very close to homes in Riverside County, but dying winds helped firefighters stop its progress.
County Fire spokeswoman Jody Hageman said residents from two streets were told to evacuate Thursday night at the peak of the fire that burned about 150 acres in and around Rancho Jurupa Regional Park, some 60 miles east of Los Angeles. It was 20 percent contained after about three hours. The mandatory evacuation was later changed to voluntary, reports CBS Los Angeles station KCBS-TV.
Embers from the flames landed on palm trees and people's homes , KCBS says.
Some 2,000 customers were without power at one point, but it was restored to everyone by about 11 p.m. local time, the station adds.
About 200 firefighters helped by helicopters took on the blaze, whose bright flames and huge plumes of smoke were visible from long distances.
There were no reports of any injuries or homes or buildings burning.
The National Weather Service issued an advisory for gusty offshore winds in Riverside County that will be in effect until Saturday.
Fierce wildfire outside L.A. approached homes
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