Spreading rapidly due to fierce and gusty winds, the fires have so far burned nearly 35,000 acres and destroyed or damaged over 1,000 residences, according to news reports.
Although the fires have only been partially contained, slower winds and cooler temperatures are helping firefighters gain control over them. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
Hundreds of Indian families live in the areas ravaged by the largest of the fires called Freeway Complex Fire, about 45 minutes drive east of Los Angeles.
As of Monday, it had burned about 28,000 acres and damaged or destroyed nearly 260 homes and apartments, most of them in the cities of Yorba Linda and Anaheim Hills.
Many Indians, who were among the 26,000 residents evacuated, had close calls and spent a couple of anxious days, worrying about the fate of their homes.
Image: An American flag flies on a hill as fire draws close to homes in Yorba Linda, California. Strong Santa Ana Winds destroyed hundreds of homes and charred thousands of acres around southern California.
Photograph: David McNew/Getty Images
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