California fire sweeps I-15 highway at Cajon pass

A fast moving brush fire has sent dozens of people fleeing from their cars on a major roadway in southern California.

The fire, in the Cajon pass, is reported to have left at least 20 vehicles on the I-15 in flames and has left hundreds possibly thousands of people stranded in the desert.

It broke out at the start of the weekend during peak travel time.

There have been no confirmed reports of injuries.

Footage from news helicopters shows dramatic pictures of people walking away from the flames, covering their faces and trying not to breathe in the noxious smoke and fumes.

Several lanes of the road have been closed, causing traffic to back up for miles.