Strong winds are spreading multiple wildfires across parched parts of California as officials worry the gusts could ignite more blazes and force more evacuations in areas already under a state of emergency.

More fire crews were deployed across California today to gain control of a series of growing wildfires that have forced hundreds of people to flee their homes.

A Northern California wildfire was 90% contained today after forcing thousands to evacuate, fire officials said.

At least 13 people have been killed in the western United States after a deadly El Nino storm brought five days of rain and high winds to the Pacific Coast.