Firefighters in Southern California were under pressure today to contain six raging wildfires, which have destroyed hundreds of buildings and forced tens of thousands of people to flee, before fierce winds are expected to strengthen again. Forecasters predict wind gusts to increase in intensity by tonight, challenging the 8,700 firefighters who have been battling the fast-moving blazes for five days from the San Diego area up the Pacific Coast to Santa Barbara County. The fires killed at least one person, destroyed 500 structures, hurt six people and injured four firefighters.<br/>'<br/>Lynne Tolmachoff, spokeswoman for California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection said the strengthening winds "potentially put the fires that are currently burning at risk of spreading. At the peak, about 212,000 people were forced to flee their homes. Evacuation orders were lifted in some areas.<br/>'<br/>California governor Jerry Brown will meet with residents affected by the fires and tour the wildfire damage in Ventura County northwest of Los Angeles today, where the largest of the blazes, the Thomas Fire has charred 57,870 hectares and destroyed 476 structures.