A fast-moving brush fire spread over an estimated 30 acres and threatened several homes in Pacific Palisades, Calif., on Monday, the authorities said.

Firefighters were managing to hold back the flames, which were driven by hot, dry conditions, officials with the Los Angeles Fire Department said. Fire officials said a lack of wind and residents’ compliance with instructions to clear brush had helped contain the flames.

The fire, reported around 10:40 a.m. local time, started at the base of Palisades Drive and spread over approximately 18 acres in just 15 minutes, Patrick Butler, an assistant chief with the Los Angeles Fire Department, said at a news conference. The response was complicated by the steep, hilly terrain.

This is an “extremely challenging fire for hand crews,” he said. “They’re essentially clawing their way up this hillside, with rocks coming down on them.”

Video footage showed flames and billowing smoke approaching homes as people fled, and helicopters spewing giant plumes of water on the flames. Officials warned residents to steer clear of the area.

Mandatory evacuation orders were issued by the authorities for about 200 homes in the Highlands neighborhood, near Vista Grande Drive and Charmel Lane.

The cause was not immediately clear, and there weren’t any immediate reports of injuries or major damage, he said. Arson investigators were on the scene.

While winds were calm, they were expected by increase again by Thursday, he said.

In a TV interview with CBSN Los Angeles, Sean Rios, a spokesman for the Los Angeles County Fire Department, emphasized that homeowners should always clear the areas around their houses to protect them.

“Fire season is called fire season, and in California, that can be any time of year,” he said.

Pacific Palisades is an affluent community just north of Santa Monica. Local landmarks include the Getty Villa museum.

Karen Zraick is a breaking news and general assignment reporter who writes frequently about race, gender and civil rights. She has also worked as an editor on the International desk and in news curation. @karenzraick

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