Out-of-control wildfires surrounding Los Angeles continued to grow Tuesday, forcing families to evacuate and blanketing the sky with choking smoke.
Three separate blazes have erupted around the United States’ second biggest city, fueled by a punishing heat wave and fanned by gusting winds.
Thousands of firefighters, with support from the US National Guard, were battling to slow the spread of fires tearing through tinder-dry brush.
There have been no reports of deaths or serious injuries, but tens of thousands of homes and businesses are being threatened by the looming flames.
The fast-moving Airport Fire in Orange County has consumed more than 9,000 acres (3,600 hectares) since it was started accidentally on Monday afternoon by workers operating heavy equipment.
The blaze, to the southwest of Los Angeles, was spewing thick smoke into the air, sparking the closure of nearby schools.
Orange County Fire Authority Captain Steve Concialdi said the fire was …