Californians forced to flee as ferocious wildfires destroy homes and buildings

Mountain fire scorches thousands of acres north-west of Los Angeles as officials demand more help for fire crews

Fast-moving fires erupted across California on Wednesday as the state was lashed by powerful winds that complicated firefighting efforts, necessitated power shutoffs and raised the danger for more ignitions.

Just hours after igniting in Ventura county, the Mountain fire rapidly swept through more than 10,000 acres as flames jumped into rural and residential communities tucked close to the burning hillsides, leaving devastation in its wake.