Nine killed as thousands flee raging California fires

A raging wildfire in southern California has swept into the beach resort of Malibu – home to many Hollywood stars – leaving buildings burning and sending residents fleeing.

Further north, another huge wild fire destroyed the town of Paradise, leaving nine people dead and 35 missing.

In all, three major fires are burning across the state.

Among the towns under evacuation orders is Thousand Oaks, where a gunman killed 12 people in a rampage on Wednesday.

Authorities say the Camp Fire in the north and the Woolsey Fire and Hill Fire in the south are being fanned by strong winds.

More than 250,000 people have been evacuated across the areas.

“The magnitude of the destruction of the fire is unbelievable and heartbreaking,” said Mark Ghilarducci, of the California governor’s office.

The blaze started on Thursday near Thousand Oaks, about 40 miles (64km) north-west of central Los Angeles. Another blaze, the Hill Fire, started at about the same time, also near Thousand Oaks.

On Friday, the flames jumped Highway 101 and headed into coastal areas. The fire now covers an area of about 35,000 acres (14,150 hectares).

Malibu and nearby Calabasas are home to many celebrities and some have been posting on social media.

Thank you for everyone’s prayers. Our family is safe and close

— ye (@kanyewest) November 9, 2018

I’m worried about my house?, but there is nothing I can do.
Friends houses have burned??
I can’t bear the thought of there being no Malibu I’ve had a house in Malibu since 1972?

— Cher (@cher) November 9, 2018

Evacuated last night. Bleak House and the collection may be endangered but the gift of life remains. Thousand Oaks and Agoura are still in danger. Malibu is being evacuated.

— Guillermo del Toro (@RealGDT) November 9, 2018