“DESTRUCTIVE, WIDESPREAD”
The fire came as the area was being hit by seasonal Santa Ana winds that forecasters said could develop into the worst windstorm in a decade.
Gusts of up to 160kmh were expected in parts of Los Angeles and Ventura counties, the National Weather Service said.
Red flag warnings of critical fire danger – the highest level of alert – were expected to remain in place until Thursday evening.
“This looks pretty, pretty concerning,” said meteorologist Daniel Swain.
“It’s going to be, I think, a rough night. And what’s going on now is only just the beginning, because weather conditions are going to get a lot worse.”
Hollywood events including a red-carpet premiere of Jennifer Lopez’s new film “Unstoppable” were called off amid the blaze.
California Governor Gavin Newsom said Biden had instantly approved federal aid to tackle the fire.
“No politics, no hand wringing, no kissing the feet. The president of the US said, ‘yes’. What else do you need?'” he told reporters.
Incoming president Donald Trump has previously threatened to withhold wildfire aid from Democrat-ruled California.
Wildfires are an expected part of life in the US West and play a vital role in the natural cycle.
But scientists say human-caused climate change is altering weather patterns.
Southern California had two decades of drought that were followed by two exceptionally wet years, which has left the countryside primed to burn.
Source: CNA
