Firefighters are still battling fires that have spread over at least 674 sq miles (1,745 sq km) of southern California, from Santa Barbara down to the Mexican border.

Estimated material damage from the fires has risen to more than $1bn (�488m).

Firefighters have been working non-stop, 36-hour shifts, struggling to dampen the flames, many working in dangerous conditions like this hail of embers.

But winds dropped in some areas on Wednesday, allowing helicopters and air tankers to dump water on fires.

At least 1,600 homes have been destroyed. Some people fled from the fires clutching only their most treasured possessions.

This couple returned to find their home in the Rancho Bernardo neighbourhood in San Diego ravaged by fires.

President George W Bush has declared seven counties major disaster areas and has ordered federal funding to help tackle the crisis.

Around a million people have been forced to leave their homes as the fires have caused havoc in southern California.

The San Diego area has been hit hardest, with makeshift shelters set up for 300,000 people, including these tents in the stands at the Qualcomm Stadium.

But support has also been on hand. These men barbecued hot dogs for Lake Arrowhead wildfire evacuees at a Red Cross evacuation centre.