Footage shows a Boeing 747 Super Tanker fighting the River Fire in Monterey County, California, on Sunday night (Aug 16).
Hundreds of firefighters were battling to contain the blaze which started from a lightning strike on the dry hillside.
Resident Toby Garcia recorded the terrifying scene from an area near his home as the blaze grew.
Fire chiefs said the blaze was around 10 per cent contained and had spread across more than 500 acres by 6pm on Sunday evening.
More than 30 structures were at risk.
Crews responded with fire trucks and a plane dumping red fire retardant powder on the inferno.
Monterey County Sheriff said: ''We are making mandatory evacuations for all of Pine Canyon Road.
Evacuation warnings are in place for Berry and Indian Springs Road.''
