Dramatic footage shows flames tearing through the hillside from the Palisades Fire in Los Angeles, California, on Tuesday evening.

Officials declared a state of emergency as the flames from the wildfire were fanned by strong wind and tore through more than 1,200 acres in just a few hours, causing more than 30,000 evacuations in the upmarket Pacific Palisades neighbourhood.

Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley said that more than 13,000 buildings and 10,000 homes are at risk in the upmarket neighbourhood.

Cal Fire reported that the blaze had grown to over 15,800 acres by Wednesday with zero containment.

It has wiped out approximately 1,000 structures - including the homes of celebrities - making it the most destructive wildfire ever recorded in Los Angeles County.

While no fatalities have been reported, dozens of residents who refused to evacuate were injured as firefighters battled the flames.

California Governor Gavin Newsom said he visited the canyon to see 'firsthand the impact of these swirling winds and the embers'. He said he found 'not a few but many structures already destroyed'.

President Trump has previously blamed state officials in California for mismanaging irrigation and water supply, which has caused dry conditions ripe for wildfires to spread.

The Palisades Fire is one of five wildfires currently ravaging the region. The Eaton Fire has burned 10,600 acres, destroying 500 structures and causing at least five deaths.

The Woodley Fire, which began on Wednesday, has burned 30 acres, while the Hurst Fire has scorched more than 505 acres since Tuesday night. The Lidia Fire, which started on Wednesday afternoon, has consumed 80 acres and is 30 per cent contained.