The Burning California in pics: Thousands flee as wild fires spread over 31 sq km

The Pawnee Fire that broke out Saturday has destroyed 12 buildings and threatened an additional 600 as it burned out of control across about 31 sq kilometers.

Wind-driven wildfires destroyed buildings and threatened hundreds of others on Saturday as they raced across dry brush in rural Northern California.

Authorities ordered people to evacuate all homes in the Spring Valley area, where about 3,000 people live.

Erratic wind and heat gripping a swath of California from San Jose to the Oregon border drove the flames.

No one was reported hurt. More than 230 firefighters using helicopters, bulldozers and other equipment were battling the Pawnee Fire in a rugged area that made it difficult to get equipment up close.

Firefighters appeared to be making good progress the Stoll Fire was halfway contained and some evacuees were allowed to return home. Here, a firefighter is working on extinguishing the Lilac Fire, a fast moving wildfire in Bonsall.