A massive wildfire forced the evacuation of hundreds of homes in California.

Footage shows devastating flames engulfing the mountainside with smoke billowing into the air in Mount Shasta.

This prompted immediate evacuation warnings as the inferno spread on May 19.

The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection reported that the Spring Fire had burned 12 acres of land by Tuesday morning.

At one point, the fire threatened 174 nearby structures. However, no buildings were destroyed and no injuries were reported.

The Siskiyou County Sheriff's Office eventually lifted evacuation warnings for two of the three zones placed under threat.

Fire officials are currently investigating the cause of the blaze.

Authorities announced they are searching for a man who may be connected to the Spring Fire.

The suspect was last seen near Mount Shasta City Park.

Mount Shasta Police Department said: 'He is described as a white man with a slender build, short dark brown or black curly hair, and a scruffy beard.'