A spokesman for the Los Angeles County Fire Department says "there's been no open flames for hours. It's just smoldering."

But fire officials warn the situation could easily deteriorate as powerful Santa Ana winds of up to 60 mph are forecast to arrive from inland areas overnight. Gusts could spread embers and ignite parched brush and chaparral as far as a mile away.

The fire, which is 20 percent contained, has burned through over 2,000 acres of rugged terrain in the Angeles National Forest. It's destroyed a house, a garage, several sheds and three mobile homes. More than 1,200 people have been evacuated and advised not to return to their homes overnight.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.