Firefighters are doing their best to fight back wildfires around Southern California. The flames, fuled by powerful winds, have forced thousands from their homes around Los Angeles.

So far 2 people have been killed and at least 13 thousand acres scorched.

Major wildfires are raging out of control in Southern California.

The flames driven by powerful Santa Ana winds have already burned dozens of homes in the san fernando valley suburbs of los angeles and many more are threatened.

Thousands have been forced to flee as massive walls of flames creep closer to crowded neighborhoods by the minute.

Some evacuees had little time to get out.

One resident said, "We grabbed some photos and grandmas quilt then at last second we saw flames two stories high in the backyard and we got out.'

One blaze in a remote part of the San Fernando Valley was brought under control this morning and some residents are being allowed back in.

But in San Diego County, a number of fires are gaining strength, keeping residents and firefighters on the move.

Calirfornia Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger said, "We are basically getting the perfect storm, which means very strong winds, low humidity and we have heat."

Unpredictable winds of up to 80 miles an hour are sending burning embers everywhere firefighters from all over California are staging ready to go.

More than 2000 firefighters are on the bround and in the air trying to hold back the flames.

By noon more than 13 thousand acres have already burned and a state of emergency has been declared in los angeles and north in
Ventura county.

Fire officials say the only way they can get control at this point is if the winds to die down.