SIERRA MADRE, Calif. — An early season wildfire slowly chewed its way through dense brush near Los Angeles on Sunday, forcing more than 1,000 people from homes in the foothills.

More than 400 firefighters attacked the 140-hectare fire, aided by two helicopters and water-dropping air tankers, said Elisa Weaver of the Arcadia Fire Department. Residents evacuated at least 550 homes Saturday night and Sunday, but none had burned.

"This is pretty serious,'' Weaver said. "Some of these areas have not burned in over 40 years.''

Smoke and fire billowed near neighbourhoods on the outskirts of Sierra Madre near Bailey Canyon Wilderness Park. The fire moved slowly as it fed on brush and was estimated to be five to 10 per cent contained. It is expected to continue burning for another two or three days.

Winds were calm early Sunday, boosting firefighter efforts, Weaver said.

Helicopters made water drops Sunday morning on a steep ridge above Sierra Madre, about 25 kilometres northeast of Los Angeles and just east of Pasadena. A fixed-wing water tanker also made at least one drop of flame retardant.

The blaze also stranded 50 guests from a wedding party at the Chantry Flats ranger's station Saturday until they were airlifted out Sunday afternoon, Weaver said. It took five helicopter trips from the ranger's station to the parking area where the wedding party's cars were. The party then was escorted out by road.