Wildfires hit Malibu
Updated on 22 October 2007
At least one person has been killed and thousands of homes evacuated as wildfires rage across California.
At least 12 wildfires have beem burning out of control in Malibu, forcing thousands to flee, including some Hollywood celebrities.
More than 35,000 acres of land have been burnt and the flames have been fanned by winds of over 70 miles per hour.
A state of emergency has been declared in seven counties.
Michael Freeman of the Los Angeles County Fire Department said: "I don't have a count at this moment, but let me just say that during the duration of the fire, which is going to last, based on our best projections and estimates for a couple of days, as there is going to be literally be thousands of homes that are going to be threatened from one time to the other based on the movement of the fire."
The fire has already burnt down the Malibu Presbyterian church and one man's classic car collection was destroyed in a matter of minutes.
It is thought the fire was caused by a power cable which ignited after being blown over in heavy winds and after one of the driest and hottest Californian summers on record, the ground is tinder dry.
As strong winds died down, the danger dropped considerably but the forecast is for the winds to return.
