California declares state of emergency over three wildfires near Los Angeles

California on Wednesday declared a state of emergency over three wildfires near Los Angeles, including one that has engulfed dozens of homes across two towns. The Bridge Fire broke out Sunday in Angeles National Forest and has trapped at least three people near Mt. Baldy, according to authorities. Police in San Bernardino County have arrested a man suspected of starting the Line Fire, which has burned nearly 35,000 acres.

A wildfire ravaging the hills near Los Angeles had swelled in size by over 1,000 percent by Wednesday, torching dozens of homes and prompting a state of emergency.

The Bridge Fire is one of three out-of-control blazes that have erupted around the United States' second-biggest city, fueled by a punishing heat wave and fanned by gusting winds.

Authorities issued widespread evacuation orders as the fire tore through the towns of Wrightwood and Mt Baldy, destroying at least 33 homes, several cabins, and racing through a ski resort.

"We live in the canyon so that fire was coming right in there, and you couldn't take anything out of there," local resident Jenny Alaniz emotionally told broadcaster KTLA.

"I got the dogs out. Our house is gonna burn," she sobbed.

An AFP journalist in Wrightwood witnessed the aftermath of the fire, where the charred shells of buildings and vehicles stood shrouded in smoke.

The fire broke out early Sunday afternoon in Angeles National Forest north of Los Angeles, and initially remained fairly small.

(AFP)

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