In pictures: LA wildfires

Firefighters in California are trying to contain two major wildfires covering thousands of acres near the city of Los Angeles.

The flames, fanned by the dry Santa Ana winds, which blow in between October and February, could be seen from downtown LA.

Helicopters and planes have been dropping water and fire retardant but the wind is hindering their efforts.

Some people had to make a quick exit from their homes as one of the fires approached. Thousands have been evacuated.

In Sylmar, the flames sent people fleeing by car from their hillside homes. Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger declared a state of emergency in two of California's counties.

Horses also joined the exodus, as the flames threatened this riding centre at Stoney Point.

Firefighters prepare to do battle in the San Fernando Valley. More than 1,000 are involved in the operation overall.

But they are too late to save this building, one of dozens destroyed by the flames.

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