Crews continue battle on southern California fires

Bone-dry vegetation fueled wildfires near Los Angeles amid warnings Friday that the risk of new blazes erupting was high as temperatures spike and humidity levels drop during a statewide heat wave.

A huge forest fire that prompted evacuations north of Los Angeles flared up Friday afternoon, sending up an enormous cloud of smoke as it headed toward the California aqueduct in the Antelope Valley.

However, no new evacuations were ordered.

The fire was just 12% contained and after threatening more than 5,400 homes, it had charred more than 18 square miles (46.6 square kilometres) of brush and trees.

Cooler overnight temperatures helped firefighters increase containment, but the temperature hit 100 degrees (38 Celsius) Friday in the area and the forecast called for continuing hot, dry weather with dangerous fire conditions because of possible gusty winds.

Record-breaking heat is possible through the weekend, with triple-digit temperatures and unhealthy air predicted for many parts of the state.

Preliminary damage assessments found that at least five buildings burned in the Lake Hughes area north of Los Angeles, but authorities said they believed more had been damaged or destroyed.

There was no containment of a blaze that blackened foothills above the Los Angeles suburb of Azusa.

It churned through nearly 4 square miles (10 square kilometers) of brush on Thursday and was moving away from homes.

Evacuation orders issued to residents were lifted early Friday.