Wind-driven wildfires force mass evacuations and widespread power shutoffs across Southern California

Multiple wind-driven brushfires are tearing through southern California, forcing evacuation orders across Malibu, San Clemente and the Santa Monica Mountains as gusting Santa Ana winds threaten to push blazes further. Overnight, more than 285 firefighters worked to contain the Bryson fire as it expanded to around 200 acres, putting a Los Angeles County juvenile detention facility at risk. Tens of thousands woke without power after electricity was cut, with wind gusts forecast to strengthen through Friday afternoon and humidity plunging to critical levels.

The Bryson fire in the Santa Monica Mountains is the largest active blaze, with a thick plume of black smoke visible for miles.

A separate Norte Fire has prompted fresh evacuation orders in the San Clemente area of Orange County, widening the crisis beyond Los Angeles.

The National Weather Service warned the whole of Southern California faces a 'critical fire weather threat' lasting several days.