LYTLE CREEK, Calif. (October 4, 2009)--Three homes have been destroyed and residents of about 50 others have been evacuated ahead of a fire driven by winds of more than 40 miles per hour northeast of San Bernardino, Calif.

A huge wall of flames chewed through thick timber and brush in the Lytle Creek area as families evacuated, taking horses and pets with them.

No injuries were reported.

In addition to the homes, campgrounds and an RV park in the area were also evacuated.

The area is not far from Interstate 15, a major route that connects Las Vegas with Southern California.

Fueled by thick timber and brush, and pushed over hills and canyons by the wind, the fire has burned across 1,500 acres and is only about 5 percent contained.

The cause is under investigation.