United States President Donald Trump on Friday declared a state of emergency in California days after massive wildfires engulfed the state from Los Angeles up the Pacific coast to Santa Barbara County, Reuters reported. The fires, which have been raging for days, have led to the evacuation of at least two lakh people from their homes in southern California. Nearly 500 structures have been destroyed and 2,600 firefighters are battling the wildfire.

Trump’s announcement ensures the release of federal assistance for the firefighting and relief operations.

Here are some photographs of the blaze:

Firefighters battle the Lilac fire in Bonsall, California. (Photo credit: AFP)
A firefighter inspects a burning home during a wind-driven wildfire in Ventura, California. (Photo credit: Reuters)
Firefighting helicopters and aeroplanes make water drops on a fast-moving wildfire in Bonsall, California. (Photo credit: Reuters)
A vehicle drives through the flying embers from heavy winds after an early morning fire that broke out in the Kagel Canyon area. (Photo credit: Reuters)
A firefighter watches the fire line at the Lilac fire in Bonsall, California. (Photo credit: AFP)
A photo taken from the International Space Station and moved on social media by astronaut Randy Bresnik shows smoke rising from wildfire.
A firefighter sprays water on the remains of the Hawaiian Village apartments in Ventura, California. (Photo credit: Reuters)
Firefighters work to save a home from an encroaching fire during the Lilac fire in Bonsall, California. (Photo credit: AFP)
A horse which was left behind after a fire in the Kagel Canyon area in California. (Photo credit: Reuters)
Neighbours watch as a house burns during a wind-driven wildfire in Ventura, California. (Photo credit: Reuters)