LOS ANGELES >> Amid exploding fireworks, more than 130 firefighters battled a fire that engulfed four homes in Pacoima on Thursday night, authorities said.

The Los Angeles Fire Department described Thursday night's fires in Pacoima as a "major emergency," with more than 130 firefighters responding.

A fast-moving California wildfire exploded to become the state’s biggest of the year, forcing evacuations and the closure of a highway, and evoking memories of the devastating blazes that laid waste to parts of the state in January.

The Madre Fire ignited Wednesday afternoon in San Luis Obispo and is 5% contained as of Thursday morning, according to Cal Fire.

Hundreds of firefighters are working to contain a fast-moving wildfire that erupted near California’s Central Coast on Wednesday, forcing evacuations in two counties. The Madre Fire broke out shortly after 1 p.