LOS ANGELES, US - Some 4,500 residents of the southern California town of Wrightwood, 75 kilometers (47 miles) east of Los Angeles, were forced to evacuate Sunday due to a racing wildfire, officials said.

The blaze, only 10 percent contained, broke out Saturday in the nearby San Bernardino National Forest.

The wildfire is threatening the 2,000 homes in Wrightwood, which was evacuated early Sunday, authorities said.

Thousands of firefighters were rushing to the area, with reinforcements arriving from the border city of San Diego and several greater Los Angeles towns.

California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger declared a state of emergency in San Bernardino county due to the fire.