Terrifying images of California's wildfires show firefighters tackling the flames

As the heat wave in California continued over the weekend, and the National Weather Service issued critical warnings, firefighters have been battling intense wildfires across the area.

Five counties — Fresno, Madera, Mariposa, San Bernadino, and San Diego — were all declared in a state of emergency by Gov. Gavin Newsom on Sunday, with homes destroyed and thousands forced to evacuate.

Photographs that were taken over the weekend of the Creek Valley fire in Fresno, and the Valley Fire in San Diego, give some idea of the level of intensity the fires have reached, and those on the front lines fighting the flames.

A firefighter battling the Creek Fire in Shaver Lake, Fresno County on Sunday. Credit: Neal Waters / Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

Residents are evacuated as the Creek Fire rages. Credit: Neal Waters / Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

Flames rage through the trees in Shaver Lake. Credit: Neal Waters / Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

The Creek Fire, which started on Friday, burns through the forest. Credit: Neal Waters / Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

A building in Shaver Lake is consumed by the Creek Fire. Credit: Neal Waters / Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

Fire crews worked to protect the community of Shaver Lake. Credit: Neal Waters / Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

The Creek Fire blew up on Saturday reaching over 36,000 acres and grew to 73,278 acres on Sunday. Credit: Neal Waters / Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

A view of the site of the Creek Fire. Credit: Neal Waters / Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

Firefighters tackle the Valley Fire in Jamul, California. Credit: SANDY HUFFAKER / AFP via Getty Image

The flames burned along Japatul Road during the Valley Fire. Credit: SANDY HUFFAKER / AFP via Getty Images

A rabbit flees the brush fire on Japatul Road in Jamul. Credit: SANDY HUFFAKER / AFP via Getty Images

A firefighter tackling the Valley Fire in Jamul on Sunday. Credit: SANDY HUFFAKER / AFP via Getty Images

In San Bernadino, meanwhile, firefighters have also been struggling to stop the spread of the El Dorado Ranch Park fire. The cause of this wildfire, which at the time of writing is still raging, was confirmed to be a gender reveal party explosion.