CALMER WINDS AID US FIRE CREWS.

Byline: By ED JAMES 

FIREFIGHTERS battling wildfires that have destroyed hundreds of homes in Southern California were yesterday aided by calmer winds.

Thousands of residents have fled the fires which have blanketed much of the region with choking smoke.

There was "devastation I've never seen before," said Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa.

The fires blackened more than 34 square miles since Thursday in parts of Los Angeles County, Riverside and Orange counties to the east, and Santa Barbara County to the northwest.

More than 800 homes and apartments had been destroyed.

No deaths were reported, but police brought trained dogs in to search the rubble of a caravan park where some 500 homes were destroyed.

They were focusing on caravans where cars were still parked in front.

Crews were also making steady progress against flames that tore through the millionaires' playground of Montecito.

Celebrities such as talk-show queen Oprah Winfrey and Hollywood actors Michael Douglas, Jeff Bridges and Rob Lowe all own property in the area.

California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has declared a state-of-emergency in Montecito and Santa Barbara.

Yesterday's easing of the fierce dry Santa Ana wind allowed firefighters to make efforts to block the main fires from advancing into hillside districts.

CAPTION(S):

Residents look on as a wind-driven Santa Ana fire threatens homes, in Yorba Linda, California