Thousands of homes ordered evacuated as fire breaks out in Orange County, California

A firefighter uses a hose as the Silverado Fire approaches, near Irvine, California, U.S. October 26, 2020. REUTERS/Mike Blake

Tens of thousands of homes were ordered evacuated in Orange County, California, early on Monday ahead of a wildfire blaze, the Orange County Fire Authority said in an alert to residents.

The wind-driven 500-acre “Silverado” blaze broke out early Monday and was not contained, officials said. Local media reported the fire swelling to beyond that. The cause of the fire was not immediately determined. No injuries or damaged structures were reported.