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Last Updated: Sunday, 25 November 2007, 02:22 GMT
In pictures: Fires in California

The Malibu hills covered in a huge pall of smoke, seen from a distance

Forest fires are raging near Malibu in California, destroying property and forcing 10,000 people to leave their homes.

Fires in the Malibu hills approach houses

Santa Ana winds of up to 40mph (64km/h) are spreading the fire, which started at 0330 local time (1130 GMT) on Saturday between Mesa Peak Mountain Way and Corral Canyon.

An emergency helicopter drops water on the fire

Helicopters and aeroplanes are dropping water on the fire in efforts to bring it under control.

Malibu Firefighters load a fire hose back onto a fire engine

Firefighters are attempting to halt the flames and two have sustained minor injuries.

A burnt-out home, in Corral County, Malibu, destroyed by the fires

Some 35 homes have been destroyed so far and approximately 200 more are threatened.

A telegraph pole in Malibu catches fire

When Southern California was hit by severe fires last month, the state organised the biggest evacuation in its recent history.





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