Wildfires rage across California

Firefighters battle to contain 75-foot flames (23 metres) in California, where thousands have been forced to flee their homes.

A state of emergency has been declared in three northern counties of the state, where flames moved towards homes and a national park.

An evacuation order was issued for the small community of Mineral, just south of the Lassen National Volcanic Park.

Firefighters scrambled to head off the fire, which was sparked by a lighting strike.

The so-called "Ponderosa Fire" has already scorched 24,000 acres (9,700 hectares).

All told, more than 3,000 people have been evacuated.

While hundreds of building are still at risk, as of Wednesday (August 22) afternoon 50 percent of the blaze had been contained.

The wildfire is one of dozens burning across drought-parched states in the U.S. West.