Wildfires surge in mountains above Los Angeles

(NECN/KABC) – In California, mandatory evacuations after a growing wildfire north of Los Angeles destroyed at least three homes. The blaze has consumed more than 31square miles of dry forest. Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has declared a state of emergency for that area. The thick smoke is making it difficult for water-dropping aircrafts to fly close enough to help put out the flames. The fire is only 5-percent contained. KABC News reporter Miriam Hernandez has more on the story.