The New Nation - Internet Edition

AFP, Los Angeles

Firefighters were bracing for more heavy winds on Tuesday as they battled to contain two wildfires blazing north of Los Angeles that have left one person dead and forced thousands to flee.

More than 15,000 acres (6,000 hectares) have been scorched by twin blazes burning near San Fernando and Porter Ranch on the northern outskirts of Los Angeles, which have roared through tinder-dry countryside in 48 hours. One person has been killed and at least 4,000 people are estimated to have been evacuated, prompting California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger to declare a state of emergency in the region on Monday.

As dawn broke on Tuesday, firefighters said the fire in Porter Ranch had almost doubled in size to 9,872 acres and remained uncontained. "We are prepared for whatever Mother Nature throws at us," Los Angeles Fire Department spokesman Brian Humphrey said. "It depends on the winds. In this situation, wind is king. The winds could even be benevolent." Schwarzenegger, too, pointed to the Santa Ana winds that rake the state as a key culprit fanning the flames. "That is what makes this so dangerous," the governor said at a command center.

"We're basically getting the perfect storm. Very strong (winds), low humidity, and heat. Those are the three elements that create those kind of fires and makes them get out of control."

Across southern California, wildfires in recent days have consumed a total of 26,000 acres (about 10,000 hectares) and 64 buildings and structures, Schwarzenegger said.

The National Weather Service has predicted that the winds-packing speeds of up to 70 miles per hour (113 kph) -- will continue gusting until Wednesday.