[WATCH] California: wildfires force 120,000 to escape as hundreds of buildings destroyed

120,000 people have been forced to flee aggressive fires in southern California, enabled by strong desert winds which have so far destroyed hundreds of buildings.

A 70-year-old woman has been confirmed dead and three firefighters have been injured.

The winds, known as Santa Anas, are dry, desert winds from the East have driven wildfires which are expected to continue until Christmas.

Although California wildfires are normally over by November, the speed of the wind is causing the wildfires to spread faster and wider, with smoke having extended more than 1,000 miles into the Pacific. The town of Ojai, which is populated by 7,000 people, has been put in jeopardy due to the fire.

President Donald Trump has declared California to be in a state of emergency on Friday.

Hundreds of schools have been forced to close in California and 450 horses have been cut loose at a training facility near San Diego due to another blaze, causing fears that many may have burned to death.

Businesses are also at risk as the blaze destroyed much of California’s avocado crop. 90% of US avocados are grown in California and the industry which is worth millions.