Fire officials in the United States say wildfires in the Los Angeles area have left at least five people dead and burned more than 1,100 structures.

A wildfire erupted on Tuesday in Pacific Palisades and spread rapidly. It now covers an area that is about 64 square kilometers in size. It is being fanned by extreme winds.

On Wednesday, NHK crewmembers on the scene saw a coastal road covered with dense black smoke. They also saw a number of badly burned restaurants and houses.

Separate fires in the northeastern part of Los Angeles have also spread into urban areas.

Police officers say that more than 100,000 residents have been given evacuation orders or warnings.

The US National Weather Service Los Angeles said that critical fire weather conditions will remain through Friday for portions of LA and neighboring areas. It added that gusty winds and very dry conditions will continue "to fuel fire starts and existing fires."

California's governor has declared a state of emergency. The state is receiving help from other states to combat the fires.

xinhua