In a statement, the White House says senior White House and administration officials will join a briefing “on the full Federal response he has directed to the wildfires”.

“The situation remains extremely dangerous, and the Administration continues to urge residents to heed the warnings of local officials and evacuate immediately if told to do so,” the White House said.

The statement added that over the past 24 hours, US Forest Service personnel have suppressed 50 fire starts in California.

“Additional containment progress is being made on other active fires. Cal Fire is actively working to supply generators to power water pumps throughout the area to ensure sufficient water to support suppression efforts,” it said.