In pictures: Carlsbad wildfire destroys homes

A wildfire burned in Carlsbad, California, on 14 May 2014AP

Emergency crews in the coastal California city of Carlsbad are struggling to contain a brush fire that has already destroyed more than two dozen homes.

A police officer directed traffic away from flames in Carlsbad, California, on 14 May 2014AP

The blaze was first reported about 11:00 local time (18:00 GMT) on Wednesday, and by the afternoon more than 11,000 notices had been sent to local homes and businesses warning of mandatory evacuations in the area.

A man watched a house burn in Carlsbad, California, on 14 May 2014AP

No injuries have yet been reported as a result of the blaze. "The safety and security of the community is our top priority and all available resources are being deployed," the city wrote on its website.

A fire fighter poured water onto a fully engulfed home in Carlsbad, California, on 14 May 2014AP

The blaze was one of several in the area that firefighters were battling in dry, windy weather conditions.

A firefighter put water on a house fence during a wildfire in Carlsbad, California, on 14 May 2014AP

Recent high temperatures and a drought have contributed to an unusually busy fire season, state officials warned.

A wildfire burned through a canyon in Carlsbad, California, on 14 May 2014Reuters

Flames shot above canyon ridges, and smoke darkened the blue skies over the coastal city, located about 48km (30m) north of San Diego.

A woman was evacuated from her building during a wildfire in Carlsbad, California, on 14 May 2014AP

Firefighters have been called in from across the region.