In pictures: Northern California fires

Smoke billows from a neighbourhood that was destroyed by a fast-moving wild fire in Santa Rosa, California, 9 OctoberGetty Images

The state's fire service has been battling 15 separate fires across nine counties including Napa, Sonoma and Yuba.

A man battles to save his home pictured through the flamesGetty Images

Some people have tried to save their homes from the flames, which have engulfed some 49,000 acres (28,000 hectares) so far.

Fire glows on a hillside in Napa, California on October 9, 2017, as multiple wind-driven fires continue to whip through the region.AFP

Napa, Sonoma and Yuba make up California's famed wine region, lying to the north of San Francisco.

A truck burns as fire ravages the Napa wine region in California on October 9, 2017, as multiple wind-driven fires continue to whip through the regionAFP

At least 1,500 buildings and other property have been destroyed.

A DC-10 aircraft drops fire retardant on a wildfire in Orange, California, 9 OctoberReuters

Aircraft have been used to drop fire retardant

Cows stand on a patch of unburned grass after an out of control wildfire moved through the area on October 9, 2017 in Glen Ellen, CaliforniaGetty Images

The California governor has declared an emergency. saying the wildfires "continue to threaten thousands of homes, necessitating the evacuation of thousands of residents".

The remains of fire damaged homes after an out of control wildfire moved through the area on October 9, 2017 in Glen Ellen, CaliforniaGetty Images

This is one of the worst fires in the state's history.

Fire consumes a home as out of control wildfires move through the area on October 9, 2017 in Glen Ellen, CaliforniaGetty Images

It has been stoked by a combination of strong winds, low humidity and hot, dry weather.

The remains of fire damaged homes after an out of control wildfire moved through the area on October 9, 2017 in Glen Ellen, CaliforniaGetty Images

It is not yet known how the fires started.

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