Thousands are forced to flee as a California wildfire destroys million-dollar coastal homes amid powerful Santa Ana winds

Fire crews are struggling to contain blazes in Southern California, with fires burning near the coastal community of San Juan Capistrano. Powerful Santa Ana winds are driving the flames and raising fears that further fires could break out across the region. Residents in affected areas have been ordered to evacuate their neighbourhoods.

Additional fires have ignited around Malibu, stretching firefighting resources further.

The weather service has placed parts of central and Northern California under a red flag warning.