Wildfires engulfing huge swaths of Southern California have killed at least 13 people and sent tens of thousands seeking refuge.
The state's deadliest blazes in more than a decade raged through areas as far north as Simi Valley in Ventura County, east to San Bernardino County and south to San Diego County -- scorching more than 300,000 acres of earth.
Weather forecasts indicate more hot and dry conditions that will mix with the Santa Ana winds and could fan the flames that have reached 100 feet tall in places.
President Bush declared four Southern California counties major disaster areas Monday, opening the way for federal dollars for governments, businesses and people affected by the fires.
The president's order covers Los Angeles, San Bernardino, San Diego and Ventura counties, according to The Associated Press.
California Gov. Gray Davis, who has declared states of emergency in those counties, activated the National Guard to help with disaster relief.
More than 8,000 firefighters were trying to contain at least 10 fires in the region early Monday. But Dallas Jones, director of the Governor's Office for Emergency Services, said most of the fires were less than 20 percent contained, and some weren't contained at all.
The fires have destroyed about 700 homes, according to The Associated Press, scorched more than 300,000 acres and left tens of thousands in houses without electricity.