Thousands flee as wildfires burn out of control in Los Angeles

Care home residents had to be evacuated as the flames approached (AP)

California firefighters are battling wildfires that tore across the Los Angeles area amid high winds, destroying homes, causing tens of thousands of people to flee and straining resources.

Officials in and around the US city are preparing for the situation to worsen on Wednesday as California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency.