A fast-moving brush fire north of Los Angeles prompted mandatory evacuation orders for some 500 homes on Wednesday. Firefighters battled the flames that had burned 10,000 acres by early evening, authorities said.

Huge fire north of Los Angeles prompts evacuations

The death toll in California fire rose to 23 on Saturday after rescue workers recovered several bodies of people killed in the devastating fire; news agency AFP reported while quoting a sheriff.

California forest fires: Death toll rises to 23

About 200,000 residents were evacuated from their homes at one point, though some were due to return on Thursday evening

Be 'ready to GO!' Southern California warns residents as fires rage

The wildfires have killed at least 21 people, destroyed 3,500 structures and left hundreds missing in chaotic evacuations across northern California's wine country

California wildfires: Death toll goes up to 23