LONG BEACH, Calif. (KABC) -- A brush fire erupted in Long Beach in the wetlands area on Wednesday morning, threatening natural gas lines and forcing a hotel to evacuate.



Authorities say the fire erupted in the area of Studebaker Road and Second Street at 9:40 a.m. The threatened gas lines were above ground.



Flames spread to some 30 palm trees, prompting officials to evacuate the SeaPort Marina Hotel. Fire officials say smoke from the brush fire impacted the Long Beach Marketplace nearby.



At least 40 firefighters responded to the scene. Three acres burned, and crews have reached about 80 percent containment.



The cause of the fire is unknown. A man, identified by the Long Beach Press-Telegram as William Harmon Pratt, was arrested in the same general area for allegedly trying to set fires about 1:30 a.m.



No injuries were reported. Streets in the area were closed due to the fire fight.



City News Service contributed to this report.



