A fire started by motorised equipment in California has burned 400 acres of land, according to officials.

The blaze is 50 per cent contained and no casualties have been reported.

Officials said the so-called volcano fire was started by tools used for landscaping.

A local news station reported more than 300 firefighters battled the inferno at the scene on land and from the air.

No evacuations have been ordered, but one home has been destroyed.