(Reuters] -Wildfire swept through Laguna Niguel in wealthy Southern California on Wednesday. Officials said that at least 12 homes were set on fire and about 200 acres of land (80 hectares), was scorched. The evacuations began.

Although the flames were small in comparison to other major wildfires that erupted in rural areas of the west, they spread quickly across Orange County’s ridges thanks to afternoon winds.

Social media video showed multi-million dollar homes engulfed in orange flames and black smoke while nearby homes remained unaffected.

Brian Fennessy of Orange County Fire Authority said that 12 homes were at risk and they would likely be rebuilt.

Fennessy, who was on the scene at the time said that it was all about “defending homes that haven’t already been burned.” “The firefighters in front of me are fighting an extremely aggressive battle.”

Fennessy stated that he expects winds to slow down at sunset. This would also help to reduce the spread of the fire.

About 65,000 people live in the hilltop town, which is about 50 miles (80km), south of Los Angeles. California is experiencing a historic drought that has left the canyons and hills surrounding it covered in dry brush.

Orange County Sheriff’s Department ordered the evacuation of many streets and a center for evacuation was set up at a local community center.