In pics: California wildfires prompt evacuations amid heat wave

Wind whips embers from a hotspot during a wildfire in Castaic, California. (Picture credit: AP)

A helicopter drops water on a wildfire in Castaic, Calif. (Picture credit: AP)

Members of the news media photograph the Route Fire. (Picture credit: AP)

Temperatures in the area hit 107 degrees (42 Celsius) and winds gusted to 17 mph (27 kph). (Picture credit: AP)

The Route Fire in major north-south route, was closed by a blaze that burned several hundred acres in only a few hours. (Picture credit: AP)

A firefighter works on hotspots while battling a wildfire in Castaic. (Picture credit: AP)

Reports showed a wall of flames advancing uphill and smoke billowing thousands of feet into air. (Picture credit: AP)

An air tanker drops fire retardant onto the advancing Route Fire. (Picture credit: AP)

Students from Castaic High School walks past a plume caused by the Route Fire. (Picture credit: AP)

Firefighters pour water over a camper while battling the Route Fire. (Picture credit: AP)

A helicopter drops water on a wildfire in Castaic. (Picture credit: AP)

Eight firefighters were treated for heat-related problems, including six who were sent to hospitals, but all were in good condition. (Picture credit: AP)

A man watches as smoke rises from a wildfire in Castaic. (Picture credit: AP)