A CUMBRIAN singer who lives just 13 miles from one of the wildfires which are tearing across California has told how falling ash has become a constant reminder of the tragedy.

Amanda Tinkler lives in Los Angeles.

The official death toll from the disaster yesterday rose to 48 as the deadly fires continued to devour homes, cars, and forestry right across the state, including at Malibu, west of Los Angeles.

Across the state, more than 300,000 people have been forced to flee from their homes, while President Trump has declared it a President Donald Trump has declared a "major disaster".

The fire west of Los Angeles has consumed at least 85,500 acres and destroyed at least 177 buildings, say officials. Among the areas affected is Malibu, a short drive from where Miss Tinkler, originally from Crosby Garrett, near Penrith, now lives.

In a message to the News & Star, she said: "Thankfully our home has not been affected but my heart really hurts for those whose homes have been burned or those who have been evacuated.

"The air here is pretty bad with smoke and even though we’re a few miles away from the fires in Malibu we still have ash landing in our garden.

"It’s just so heartbreaking to know that the smoke and ash is coming from other people’s homes, their memories and their lives it’s devastating.

"I spend a lot of time in Malibu and watching videos of people try to escape from the fires through the canyon roads is terrifying and also knowing that the places we are familiar with visiting won’t ever be the same.

"It’s crazy how quickly a fire like that spreads."

Amanda first shot to stardom on ITV’s Stars in Their Eyes programme with her version of Nelly Furtado’s hit single I’m Like A Bird .

The singer-songwriter then went on to perform at festivals and events throughout the UK, alongside major artists such as Westlife, The Sugababes and McFly.

She was also invited by Boyzone to join their reunion tour of the UK.

She has lived in Los Angeles since 2011.

While there, she collaborated with producers behind artists such as Beyoncé, Justin Bieber, Alicia Keys and Zayn Malik to create her debut album.