US wildfire hits movie location

Some 2,500 firefighters have been tackling the blaze

A wildfire has ripped through a desert in southern California, forcing 1,000 people from their homes and threatening a popular Hollywood film location.

The blaze burned through 26,000 acres (10,500 hectares) of dry brush and part of Pioneertown, home of many westerns.

Local authorities have declared a state of emergency and asked Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger for disaster money.

About 2,500 firefighters aided by 13 helicopters and eight air tankers are tackling the fire.

At least 30 buildings have been destroyed, but Pioneertown's historic Old West movie set has been spared.

Desert community

The town is located about 120 miles (200 km) east of Los Angeles and was established in 1946.

Singing cowboy Gene Autry made several of his films there, including The Cisco Kid, Annie Oakley and Last of the Pony Riders. It was also used as a place for the actors to live in.

Firefighters on Wednesday said they had no estimate of when the blaze might be brought under control.

The flames have been fanned by winds exceeding 40mph (64km/h).

"If we have more of the same with the high winds and high temperatures, it could be trouble," said California Department of Forestry captain Marc DeRosier.

Officials believe the fire was started by lightning on Sunday.

Mandatory evacuation orders were in place for Pioneertown and several other desert communities.