More than 8,000 people fled their homes as a wildfire driven by strong winds threatened Santa Barbara in California.

At least 2,000 houses were evacuated in the coastal city, home to many celebrities, when the blaze approached the historic centre. Huge houses were reduced to rubble and smoke columns billowed over the Pacific Ocean.

The fire, which erupted in the surrounding dry brush, is being investigated as arson. It has already charred several hundred acres around the city.

California's Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger declared a state of emergency as record temperatures and strong winds fanned the flames. There were fears today that the blaze may continue for several days.

More than 800 firefighters were tackling the blaze and battalion chief Mike Carr said at least one fire engine had been overtaken by flames. Three firefighters were taken by helicopter to a burns centre in Los Angeles.

Television footage showed at least six large homes engulfed in flames as firefighters battled to protect neighbourhoods of multi-million-dollar estates.

"The firefighters are picking houses and seeing if they can make a stand," said Santa Barbara County fire captain David Sadecki.

As many as 100 fire engines and 400 firefighters were on the way to the area from other communities. Much of the air support, firefighting helicopters and planes, was grounded because of the high winds and thick smoke.

There were unconfirmed reports that two firefighters were injured when they were trapped in a burning home. No residents were reported hurt.

In November more than 200 homes around Santa Barbara were destroyed by a brush blaze blamed on a campfire started by local students.

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