Firefighters stop fast-moving blaze threatening homes in Lancaster

A fast-moving brush fire burned 500 acres, damaged some buildings and nearly reached a housing community in Lancaster before firefighters were able to stop the flames Sunday.

It's unclear when the fire, nicknamed Max Fire by firefighters, was first reported, but they quickly raised the status to Third Alarm as they continued to battle the flames, which were fueled by strong winds in the region.

The fire was first reported near W. Land Avenue, 80th Street West.

SkyCal flew over the fire site, where a building and an RV could be seen completely engulfed in flames. The area was surrounded by acres of charred and blackened brush.

The cause of the fire is not yet known.

The scene of the new fire about 40 miles inland from the massive Post Fire, which currently has burned more than 12,200 acres near the Gorman community and I-5.

Evacuation warnings were ordered for some people living near the fire site, but never turned into orders as crews managed to contain the spread around 8 p.m.