High winds that are expected to worsen have fanned at least three wildfires burning in the Los Angeles area, with gusts of up to 100 mph forecast, prompting evacuations and a huge firefighter response.
Palisades Fire has burned through almost 3,000 acres, while millions of people across Southern California are under a red flag warning. The others are the Eaton Fire, at 1,000 acres, and the Hurst Fire, which is at 500 acres. All three are 0% contained.
No deaths have been reported from the fires so far, but Gov.
Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency in light of what he called "unprecedented" blazes. At least 49,000 people have been ordered to evacuate and thousands more told to prepare to leave.
The blazes have exploded because of a combination of dry conditions and powerful winds, which are likely to strengthen overnight and continue into Thursday.