Southern California hit by brushfires

Updated: 16:56, Monday, 12 March 2007

Brushfires fuelled by strong winds and dry vegetation have scorched thousands of hectares of land in California's Orange County.

Brushfires fuelled by strong winds and dry vegetation have scorched thousands of hectares of land in California's Orange County.

At least 500 families were forced to evacuate their homes in the area.

The fire broke out in the Anaheim Hills area of California, some 56km southeast of Los Angeles.

Police are investigating reports that a stolen car, burned to hide the evidence, may have started the blaze.

More than 800 firefighters were deployed but high winds were making their task difficult.

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