Two children injured in Southern California brush fire spreading 'fast' across popular hiking area

Two children have been injured in a brush fire in Southern California , officials said on Friday night.

The fast-moving fire started in the San Gabriel Mountains in northern Los Angeles County near East Fork and Glendora Mountain roads earlier in the afternoon. The blaze - named the Fork Fire - has caused multiple evacuations from the area which is popular with hikers.

Two children required medical treatment after suffering smoke inhalation, while their condition of the children and others evacuated is not known at this time, abc news reports. Angeles National Forest officials said in a statement: "Spreading is rapid, winds are light and growth potential is high."

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Earlier this month, the French Fire in Mariposa County ripped through the region. At the time of writing, the 908-acre blaze has attracted over 1,000 people, four helicopters and 107 fire engines to try and tackle it.

Evacuation orders have been issued, with the French Fire among 14 fires in California. Around 1,100 Mariposa County residents have been ordered to evacuate as the fire continues to rage near Yosemite National Park.

It is not yet clear what caused the fire. CAL FIRE said it worked overnight to add an “additional fireline and contingency line.” CAL FIRE added: “Mop-up within the fire perimeter, line improvement and tactical patrol where fireline has been established will continue today.

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"Weather forecasts for the fire area indicate excessive heat will continue to increase and winds will strengthen while relative humidities and fuel moisture decrease.”

The conditions could create areas that are more likely to light, leading to further concern over the spread of fire. California and the rest of the West Coast is in the midst of a heatwave that is due to spread towards the southeast. A new heat record for the day was set on Friday in California's Death Valley - one of the hottest places on Earth - with the mercury climbing to 127. The old mark of 122 was last tied in 2013.