CASTAIC, Calif. (AP) — Firefighters fought to maintain the upper hand on a huge and rapidly moving wildfire that swept through rugged mountains north of Los Angeles and resulted in more than 50,000 people being put under evacuation orders or warnings.

Winds in the area were blowing at about 20-30mph (32-48km/h), but could pick up, which would fan the blaze and make it harder for air crews to operate. Climate change has made the grasses and shrubs that are fuelling the Los Angeles fires more vulnerable to burning, scientists have said.

A new wildfire was reported today at 8:58 p.m. in Los Angeles County. The wildfire has been burning on private land. There is no update on the containment of the fire and its cause has yet to be determined.

The city's artists and art collectors are mourning what could amount to billions of dollars in irreplaceable art that went up in flames.

Six wildfires are burning in Southern California, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire). Earlier this month, two significant wildfires ignited in Los Angeles and quickly grew to encompass thousands of acres.