A 3,500-acre brush fire shut down a major freeway connecting southern California with Las Vegas.

Firefighters say at least 20 vehicles were destroyed Friday by the North Fire in the Cajon Pass, forcing several drivers to abandon their vehicles on Interstate 15.

At least five homes have been burned, but only two people suffered minor injuries.

As of 8 p.m. Friday, northbound lanes of the freeway have been reopened.

– Anthony Pollreisz