California burns
Published:Monday | November 17, 2008 | 7:50 AM
Firefighters in southern California continue to battle three separate wildfires that have destroyed hundreds of homes and forced thousands to flee.
The fires, to the north, northwest and south of Los Angeles have burnt through dry forest, hitting suburban areas.
California Governor, Arnold Schwarzenegger, praised the quick response of the firefighters.
States of emergency were in place in four counties but calmer winds were helping fire crews contain the blazes.
More than 800 homes, ranging from multi-million dollar mansions to more modest mobile homes have been destroyed.
The fire broke out early on Saturday and quickly spread through a number of suburban communities running up into the canyons of Chino Hills State Park.