Although some have found time to relax, residents in and around the Californian town of Santa Barbara have been put on a state of alert as fierce wildfires burn on the hills nearby.
The rapidly-burning fires have already destroyed dozens of homes forcing thousands of people to flee the area.
Huge mansions and humble homes have been gutted in the scenic enclave on the Pacific coast.
Officials say many more homes are at risk as the fire edges towards more populated areas.
Officials have warned thousands more residents to get ready for evacuation.
The flames have been fanned by high temperatures and strong winds.
Nearly 3,000 acres of land in Santa Barbara County have been burned.
More than 2,000 firefighters are battling to contain the blazes. Ten firefighters have been injured, with three hospitalised suffering from burns and smoke inhalation.
A state of emergency has been declared by California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger to free up funds to fight the blaze.
On a visit to Santa Barbara on Thursday, Governor Schwarzenegger described the fire fight as "a great challenge".
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One-Minute World News
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