Horrifying images of the raging wildfires in Southern California show how rapidly destruction has spread

REUTERS/Gene Blevins

A series of wildfires have broken out in Los Angeles and Ventura counties, and continue to rage as of late in the day on Wednesday.

The three largest blazes — the Thomas Fire, the Creek Fire, and the Rye Fire — are burning around Ventura, Sylmar, and Santa Clarita, with no signs of stopping. The fires have already destroyed hundreds of homes, and prompted the evacuation of 200,000 people across region.

Because the flames have been fed by strong, dry Santa Ana winds of up to 80 mph, authorities have not been able to contain the fires. 

The blazes have caused highways to shut down, schools to close, and halted activity in the region as firefighters work to contain the destruction. California Gov. Jerry Brown has declared a state of emergency, freeing up state funds to help tackle the wildfires.

Below are some of the most horrifying images from the ground. 

The fires forced thousands of residents to evacuate their homes around Los Angeles and in suburbs throughout the region.

Downtown Santa Paula was darkened by a power outage as strong winds pushed the Thomas Fire across thousands of acres.

The fire continues to threaten homes as it burns along the 101 freeway.