A wildfire in southern California cutting a path to the sea has grown to more than 15 square miles.

Crews are preparing for another bad day of gusting winds and hot weather.

The fire that begun in Ventura County has been running down coastal canyons all night along the Pacific Coast Highway toward Malibu. It has damaged 15 homes and prompted many evacuations.

Fire spokesman Tom Kruschke says there's effectively a vast field of coals behind the flaming edges that could flare up when winds return.

Forecasters say winds gusting to 45mph will hit later today but will taper off and cooling may begin by evening.

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