More than 500,000 people evacuated in California

Wind-whipped fires tore through the San Bernardino mountains for a third day on Tuesday, forcing the evacuation of entire communities surrounding the resort area of Lake Arrowhead and raising the number of homes destroyed to more than 400.

Thousands of people, including hospital patients, were forced to flee advancing flames that leapt through the mountains, burning one home after another and threatening as many as 10-thousand residences, according to a US Forest Service spokeswoman.

The two-pronged fire destroyed 425 homes in the Lake Arrowhead and Running Springs communities, sending thousands fleeing down the mountain.

Mountain Community Hospital in Lake Arrowhead was evacuated, and patients in hospital gowns were transported out of the area. It was not immediately known where the patients were taken.

It was also not immediately known how many residents were forced to flee the mountaintop resort communities as many are part-time residents of the area, which at its seasonal height is home to upwards of 15-thousand people. Thousands of residents evacuated to the Orange County Fairgrounds.

One resident told Associated Press Television News, "I had to rescue my kids,and just bring them down until we find out further news. I know that electricity is out up there too."

Meanwhile, in the Del Dios suburb of San Diego, a statue of Jesus took a direct hit from the flames.

And in Del Mar, one resident Vivian Heide evacuated her horses and took them to the beach side rather than going to an evacuation centre. "We lived in our house since 1973 and I can't imagine that it's not going to be there but then the longer it goes,the more you think you know we'll pitch a tent," said Heide.