Fast-Moving Brush Fire Reported In Monrovia

MONROVIA (CBSLA) --   A fast-moving brush fire has been reported in Monrovia along Norumbega Drive.

Mandatory evacuations are being ordered, officials said.

The evacuation area includes the 500 - 1000 block of Norumbega Drive as well as Starlit Lane.

A hillside along Norumbega was completely engulfed. CBS2's Peter Daut said, "It looks like a volcano."

Authorities said about 45 homes were threatened and residents were evacuated.

CBS2's Kara Finnstrom was driving by the fire when it was first reported.

A massive response by firefighters helped keep the fire from gaining in intensity. The firefighters were helped by the fact winds were not intense. It's helping firefighters get the upper hand on the blaze.

More than half a dozen water drops and firefighters surrounding the base of the hill proved to be effective fire-fighting measures.

No injuries were reported.

KCAL9's Laurie Perez reported from the scene where she said firefighters were definitely gaining the upper hand. The three-acre blaze didn't grow past five-acres.

Officials didn't want to say the fire was completely contained but the visuals of the fire, just an hour apart, were dramatically different.

There was a particularly swift and aggressive response to the fire by several agencies -- namely Verdugo Fire, LA County Fire, and the National Forest Service working in conjunction.

As of 10 p.m. she reported only the 500 block of Norumbega was still evacuated.

Brad Dober, the fire chief for Monrovia Fire & Rescue, said one thing was working in their favor this evening.

"Very concerning for us," Dober said, "fortunately, like everybody else has seen in Southern California we haven't had the winds here...and we're very thankful for that."