Thousands flee California wildfires

Around 13,000 people in California have been told to leave their homes as firefighters struggle to put out over 20 wildfires.

On Monday 9,000 firefighters worked on steep ground and difficult conditions, officials said.

The biggest blaze, which has been named "Rocky" fire, has already burnt through more than 90 square miles of land.

Firefighters were still trying to contain the "Rocky" fire into Monday evening

Officials described its rate of growth as unprecedented because it tripled in size over the weekend.

At least 24 homes were destroyed as the blaze was made bigger by winds that fuelled the flames.

Firefighters say the fires are moving quickly

"I've never seen a fire act like this one," said Vicki Estrella who escaped a blaze.

"It's amazing the way that thing spread. There was smoke 300ft (91m) in the air."

The fire has left a trail of destruction in its path

Four years of drought in the western US have left the landscape very dry.

What California's done to try to stop drought

There has also been very humid weather, lightning strikes and strong winds.

This has given firefighters and water-dropping aircraft a huge challenge.

Although fire crews have had some success in tackling the blazes, there is no rain forecast, which will make it even harder to get the fires under control.