Hello. Firefighters in Los Angeles, California, are working to tackle three wildfires that have broken out in the past 24 hours. My colleagues report on the evacuation efforts. In India, Cherylann Mollan writes about how a reporter's gruesome murder has highlighted the risks facing independent journalists. And finally, Japan's new ambassador to the UK shows off his Welsh language skills.

TOP OF THE AGENDA

Fleeing LA fires felt 'like a horror movie'

Some evacuees described seeing homes burn as they fled. Credit: Reuters

A massive wildfire erupted in southern California on Tuesday, flattening homes, overtaking roads and and forcing at least 30,000 people to evacuate. The fire in Pacific Palisades, an affluent area on the west side of Los Angeles home to many celebrities, exploded from 10 acres to more than 2,900 acres in mere hours. Residents fleeing the fast-moving fire have described scenes resembling a "horror movie" and the "apocalypse". Even for people used to dealing with wildfires, the speed and size of the blaze felt unprecedented. "I have been here over 20 years and I have never experienced a day quite like this," writes correspondent Regan Morris. Two more fires erupted north of the city on Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning. 

• At the scene: CBS reporter Jonathan Vigliotti filmed burning houses in the wealthy Palisades neighbourhood. 

• Watch: Timelapse footage from the University of California San Diego shows the Palisades wildfire's explosive growth in the space of a few hours.

• Get the latest: Several Hollywood film premieres have been cancelled due to the fire. Follow for live updates.

WORLD HEADLINES

BEYOND THE HEADLINES

Murder highlights risks for reporters

At the time of his death, the 33-year-old's YouTube channel counted around 165,000 subscribers. Credit: Bastar Junction/ YouTube

The body of Indian journalist Mukesh Chandrakar was found last week in a septic tank in the compound of a contractor he had implicated in a story about corruption. Police have arrested the contractor and two others in connection with the murder. But the killing has highlighted the risks of of reporting from some of India's most volatile regions, writes Cherylann Mollan.

And finally...

Hiroshi Suzuki is a man of many talents. Japan's new ambassador to the UK is not only fluent in English, but he can also sing in Welsh. He demonstrated his skills in a video shared on social media in which he sings the Welsh national anthem, while holding a red dragon and Welsh and Japanese flags.