A new wildfire broke out today north of Los Angeles in the United States, forcing thousands of residents to evacuate their homes in an area that has recently been ravaged by other devastating fires.

The fire spread rapidly near Castaic Lake, consuming 1,400 hectares in less than two hours, fuelled by strong, hot, dry winds.

Evacuation orders were issued for some 31,000 people living around the lake, which is about 56 kilometres north of Los Angeles, near the town of Santa Clarita.

The fire came as the Los Angeles area was still reeling from two massive fires that killed more than twenty people and destroyed thousands of buildings.