George W Bush has declared California a major disaster zone after four days of wildfires sparked the biggest US evacuation since Hurricane Katrina.
The fires have killed three people, injured 40 and burned 1,500 homes, causing an estimated $1bn in damage.
More than 500,000 people have been ordered to evacuate as fierce winds fan fast-moving fires that have ravaged land from Santa Barbara to Mexico.
Forecasters say winds are weakening, easing conditions for firefighters.
In some areas, wind speeds were down to 21-36 mph (34-58km/h), from highs of 100mph earlier in the week.
