“The senator regrets not being able to join President Trump in Los Angeles due to the Senate vote schedule,” said Edgar Rodriguez. “He welcomes the president’s support for federal disaster aid to assist the thousands of families and businesses impacted by these devastating fires.”

Coverage of the Hughes, Sepulveda and Laguna fires in Southern California during a fourth consecutive day of red flag fire weather warnings.

Firefighters have slowed the spread of a huge wildfire churning through rugged mountains north of Los Angeles where dangerous winds gained strength again.

Firefighters are battling a fast-moving blaze in southern California that has swelled over the past day, with authorities warning that Thursday is "the period of greatest concern". The Hughes fire, about 45 miles (72 km) north of Los Angeles,