Crews continue battle on southern California fires

Bone-dry vegetation fueled wildfires near Los Angeles amid warnings Friday that 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 rth of Los Angeles flared up Friday afteron, sending up an ermous cloud of smoke as it heed toward California aqueduct in Antelope Valley.

However, new evacuations were ordered.

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

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

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

Preliminary dam assessments found that at least five buildings burned in Lake Hughes area rth of Los Angeles, but authorities said y believed more h been damd or destroyed.

re was containment of a blaze that blackened foothills above 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.