About 1,000 US firefighters are tackling wildfires near Los Angeles, which have caused two deaths, with 12,000 people driven from their homes.
Two wildfires driven by strong winds have destroyed dozens of homes near Los Angeles and claimed at least two lives.
The first major wildfires of the season threaten hundreds of houses north of the city, in the San Fernando Valley.
More than 1,000 firefighters are battling the flames and thousands of people have been evacuated from areas north and west of the city.
Southern California is vulnerable to wildfires between October and February when the warm, dry Santa Ana winds blow in, drying out vegetation.
California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has declared a state of emergency in two counties.
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger declared a state of emergency in two counties.
Southern California is vulnerable to wildfires between October and February when the dry Santa Ana winds blow in.
The order covers Los Angeles and Ventura.
The two fires have been named the Marek Fire, covering 4,700 acres (1,900 hectares) at the north-east end of the San Fernando Valley, and the Sesnon Fire covering 5,000 acres (2,000 hectares) at the valley's western end.
Residents on alert
Helicopters and air tankers have been brought in to help douse the flames but winds of more than 60mph (97kph) are hampering the operation.
"Winds are causing fire conditions to change by the hour, which is why it is so important that residents in the areas surrounding these wildfires heed warnings from public safety officials to evacuate," Mr Schwarzenegger said.
Motorway accident
Residents were put on alert as winds of more than 60 mph (97 km/h) were forecast.
"It is a blowtorch we can't get in front of it," said Los Angeles County fire inspector Frank Garrido.
"It is a blowtorch we can't get in front of," Los Angeles County fire inspector Frank Garrido said.
One of the two fatalities is believed to be a homeless man who was living in a makeshift shelter near the mountainous Angeles National forest.
In the San Fernando Valley, one fire in the Porter Ranch area consumed more than 5,000 acres (2,000 hectares) while another in Lake View Terrace burnt 5,300 acres, according to the LA Times newspaper.
Another man died in a motorway accident as vehicles were being turned around to avoid the flames. An 18-mile stretch of one freeway has been completely shut down.
A homeless man living in a wood and cardboard shelter beneath a motorway junction was found dead.
Many other roads are closed, along with schools and businesses.
A second person died when a car crashed on a stretch of motorway near one of the fires, which was reportedly shrouded in smoke.
Mr Schwarzenegger, who declared a state of emergency in Los Angeles and neighbouring Ventura County, described the situation as serious.
He said it was critical that people be prepared to evacuate their homes at a moment's notice.
"Winds are causing fire conditions to change by the hour, which is why it is so important that residents in the areas surrounding these wildfires heed warnings from public safety officials to evacuate," he said.
The winds are expected to get stronger over the next day and officials fear many more homes could be under threat.
Authorities have confirmed that more than three-dozen mobile homes have been destroyed by the Marek Fire, and 19 buildings - some of them homes - were either damaged or destroyed by the Sesnon Fire.
About 1,200 people have been evacuated from the path of the Marek Fire, officials said.
In a gated community in the Porter Ranch district, residents were not allowed to drive in because officials wanted the roads clear for emergency vehicles.
Instead they parked their cars, ran to their homes and carried out whatever they could.
"It's a very dangerous situation," said Los Angeles County Fire Chief P Michael Freeman as he urged residents to leave danger areas.
"It's a very dangerous situation," said Los Angeles County Fire Chief P Michael Freeman as he urged residents to leave danger areas.
"You may not even be able to outrun the fire if you're that close to it."
"You may not even be able to outrun the fire if you're that close to it." />
Are you in the area? Have you been affected by the fires? Send your comments or pictures using the form below.
Are you in the area? Have you been affected by the fires? Send your comments or pictures using the form below.
