Washington, Aug 23 (TIWN) US President Donald Trump has declared that the massive wildfires wreaking havoc across California, which have already burnt over 1 million acres of land and forced the evacuation of tens of thousands of residents, were a major disaster and has released federal aid.

Over 14,000 firefighters are battling 585 fires that have now burnt nearly one million acres (400,000 hectares).  Forecast high winds are threatening to drive flames into more populated areas as foul air blankets the state.  At least six people have died and thousands have evacuated.  Most of the destruction has been caused by three large fire complexes in mountainous and wooded rural areas.  On Saturday, California Governor Gavin Newsom said the SCU Lightening Complex fire south and east of San Francisco is the third-largest in the state's history.  Video tweeted by the governor showed burnt tree stumps against the reddened fumes-filled sky and plumes of white smoke rising from ash-laden ground.