Southern California firefighters working to contain a wildfire that has destroyed 132 structures in two days could be assisted by a forecast of fierce wind gusts easing.

Thousands of people were under evacuation orders in Southern California as fast moving wildfires engulfed homes, authorities said, with the National Weather Service issuing a red flag alert that described the situation as "particularly dangerous.

Windblown wildfires in California have prompted thousands of people to evacuate their homes as flames whipped up surprisingly fast Thursday, officials said.