In the US, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger declared a state of emergency in response to a wildfire that spread into the city of Santa Barbara.

California wildfires burn structures and hillsides in Santa Barbara, Calif., on Wednesday, May 6, 2009. Fierce winds blew a wildfire into Southern California homes Wednesday, forcing thousands of people to flee and detroying mansion and humble homes.

High winds pushed the wildfire toward homes on Wednesday evening, forcing residents to flee as smoke rose from the scenic coastal enclave. Over 8,000 people have been evacuated. Emergency crews are on the front lines, but are having trouble reaching some of the blazes due to some steep terrain and high temperatures.