The New Nation - Internet Edition

AFP, Los Angeles

Wildfires sparked a state of emergency and mass evacuations in California Sunday, with Hollywood stars forced to flee their million-dollar homes and at least one person killed, authorities said.

Malibu,around 30 kilometers (19 miles) west of Los Angeles, is home to celebrities including Sting, Mel Gibson, Robert Redford, Barbra Streisand, Cher and Richard Gere.

Homes of director James Cameron and Australian singer Olivia Newton-John were among those evacuated, celebrity site TMZ.com reported. Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger declared the emergency in seven of the state's southern counties late Sunday as firefighters battled the blazes, which started in the early morning and burned all day, fanned by strong winds.

"Throughout the region, more than 30,000 acres (12,000 hectares) have already burned, and more areas are threatened. The wildfires have caused the loss of human life and serious injuries," his office said in a statement.

"The governor's emergency proclamation allows the state Office of Emergency Services to deploy emergency personnel, equipment and facilities and provide local government assistance," it added.

One person was killed and four firefighters were seriously injured while trying to protect a home from a wildfire in Potrero, near the Mexican border, 50 kilometers (30 miles) east of San Diego, the fire department said.

At least 13 people were injured elsewhere, according to reports, as the fast-moving flames devoured tree-lined hillsides and filled the area with choking thick smoke.