Thousands flee as LA fires spread

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Strong winds are spreading the flames

Thousands of people in Los Angeles have been forced to leave their homes as wildfires continue to burn in California in America.

The fires have been burning for days, and hundreds of homes have already been destroyed. Many people are sheltering in schools and sports halls.

But it's thought the fires are getting even worse, as near-hurricane force winds are spreading the flames.

Officials say the situation in some areas is now an emergency.

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The Mayor of Los Angeles, Antonio Villaraigosa, says the fire has brought down power lines and could cut-off the city's electricity supply.

"We're at the mercy of the wind. Mother Nature's not been too good to us for the last 15 hours," he said.

Warning

Mr Villaraigosa urged people living near the fire zone not to wait for the flames to get near before leaving.

"If you wait for the fire to get there, you waited too long," he said.

So far, no deaths have been reported, and over 1,100 fire fighters are tackling the flames.