Strengthening winds were due to fan the flames of at least six different wildfires between Santa Barbara north of Los Angeles and the Mexican border.
One person has died with 800 buildings and 200,000 acres destroyed. Property worth billions of dollars is under threat and stars, like Lionel Richie, have evacuated their families.
Nearly 9,000 firefighters made progress in damping down the fires on Saturday but local Santa Ana or “devil” winds were today due to hit 55mph.
Ken Pimlott, director of the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection said: “We’re far from being over any of our problems.”
California Governor Jerry Brown warned wildfires would become more common due to climate change.
He said: “With climate change, some scientists are saying Southern California is literally burning up.
“We have to have the resources to combat fires and we also have to invest in managing the vegetation.”
California Governor Jerry Brown warned wildfires would become more common due to climate change.
He said: “With climate change, some scientists are saying Southern California is literally burning up.
“We have to have the resources to combat fires and we also have to invest in managing the vegetation.”