(Adds details, firefighter estimates, comments)

GILROY, Calif., May 22 (Reuters) - Nearly 200 people were evacuated on Thursday from the path of a wind-swept fire spreading rapidly in a mountainous area south of San Jose and near the city of Gilroy, California, officials said.

The blaze has engulfed 3,000 acres (1,200 hectares) since it began on Thursday morning in a region about 20 miles (32 km) south of San Jose, said Wayne Rhoten, a spokesman for the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.

There were no reports of injuries among evacuees or the 500 firefighters on the scene near Silicon Valley, where thick smoke could be seen rising from the blaze.

Winds blowing at about 40 mph (64 kph) and gusting to 50 mph (80 kph) have sent embers across fire lines.

"That's the main reason the fire is so difficult," said Richard Rawson, another spokesman for the firefighting department.

At least 10 homes scattered through the wooded area have been consumed and another 40 are considered threatened, said Clay Bentson, a Gilroy Fire Department battalion chief.

Officials said they expect the blaze to grow in size and that up to 1,500 firefighters may be needed to contain it.

"It'll continue to expand in size as long as we have these pretty severe conditions," said Steve Woodill, a commander of state firefighters.

California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has declared a state of emergency in Santa Cruz County. The fire is burning there and in Santa Clara County. (Reporting by Jason Bennert and Amanda Beck; Writing by Amanda Beck; Editing by Eric Walsh)

AlertNet news is provided by