STOCK IMAGE

A state of emergency has been declared in Los Angeles, where the Palisades wildfire has exploded from 10 acres to almost 3,000 acres in a matter of hours.

BBC News says the fire chief has ordered over 30,000 people to evacuate.

It covers an area starting near Los Angeles and stretching down towards Santa Monica, a coastal city.

The fire – which broke out on Tuesday – spread quickly in incredibly dry conditions and high winds.

BBC adds that winds are forecast to continue fanning the flames down towards the city.