Firefighters are working around the clock to contain at least six wildfires that have destroyed more than 9,000 acres of land in Southern California, including some residential homes. 

Fire squads rushed to San Marcos late Wednesday, where flames engulfed trees and threatened hillside homes. Mandatory evacuation orders were issued, and firefighters worked to protect the homes from the raging flames, according to the Los Angeles Times. 

The so-called Cocos fire, which began due to dry conditions and heavy winds, destroyed around 700 acres as of early Thursday. 

At least three homes have been destroyed, officials said, and residential neighborhoods were evacuated. The Palomar College and California State San Marcos campuses were also evacuated Wednesday. 

"In San Diego County, what we're experiencing over the last several days is high temperatures, low humidity and very high winds. That's a weather pattern that we usually see in the fall," said California Fire spokesman Daniel Berlant Wednesday. "All it took was the spark of a fire."

Santa Ana winds are expected to increase Thursday, which will fan flames and possibly cause an expansion of the bush fires. 

National Weather Service meteorologist Philip Gonsalves said "things are going to get worse" as the day wears on. 

Gov. Jerry Brown declared a state of emergency Wednesday as firefighters from local, state and federal agencies rushed to the area to try to contain the blazes. 

Sixteen homes and two commercial buildings were damaged or destroyed in Carlsbad by fast-moving fires. 

The Poinsettia fire was almost 60 percent contained by Thursday morning, but homeowners still had to evacuate at a moment's notice, grabbing pets and important belongings. 

"There was just no time," said Greg Staska, 63, whose home was decimated. "But it's OK; I'm alive."

The Carlsbad Fire Department estimates the loss at $22.5 million. An 18-unit apartment complex was destroyed in the area, as well as two commercial buildings. 

Eight Navy and Marine helicopters also made water drops over Camp Pendleton, where 6,000 acres were destroyed. 

The Tomahawk fire prompted evacuations of two housing areas and two schools, as well as evacuations at the San Onofre nuclear power plant. 

Firefighters also battled flames that erupted Tuesday in canyons near Rancho Santa Fe and Fairbanks Ranch. The fire burned 1,500 acres, but left structures intact. 

Fires also broke out in Ventura County and the San Fernando Valley, and a small fire temporarily closed the 405 Freeway.