By Jacob Adelman
The Associated Press

CABAZON, Calif. — A wildfire swept through dry brush near Palm Springs early Thursday, threatening homes and businesses and forcing evacuations.

The blaze had burned more than 800 acre within its first six hours, and 25 mph wind was quickly spreading the flames, said Becky Luther, a spokeswoman for the Riverside County Fire Department.

The fire was burning in a valley with a few scattered ranch homes, but the hamlets of Poppet Ranch and Twin Pines were evacuated along with a juvenile center, Twin Pines Boys Ranch. About 100 homes were ordered evacuated, police said.

"The biggest concern is if it gets over the hills," Luther said. "That's where all of the homes are."

The ground cover is mostly grass and chaparral that burns hot and quick, allowing the fire to spread quickly but with little staying power, Luther said.

An emergency evacuation center was set up at Banning Community Center, near Cabazon, where the fire was raging.

Timo Hargu, 61, said he rushed from his hilltop home with his two dogs after he looked out a window and saw fire burning toward him in a valley. "The whole thing was ablaze with flame," he said. "It was the most spectacular view. A terrible view, but spectacular."

Cabazon is about 90 miles east of Los Angeles and 17 miles northwest of Palm Springs in Riverside County.