California wildfires: Frantic man stops on highway, rescues wild rabbit from flames

A frantic man managed to coax a wild rabbit to safety as flames from California’s devastating wildfires threatened a highway in the Los Angeles area Wednesday.

Video shows the panicked man, wearing only shorts, shoes and a hoodie, chasing the small rabbit along the side of a highway before the critter hopped into burning brush next to the road.

The passerby is seen jumping up and down, slapping his thighs as he called out to the rabbit in an effort to coax the animal from the flames. Eventually the unidentified man was able to grab the creature in his hands, rescuing it from the inferno.

At least four major wildfires are burning out of control in the Los Angeles area. They have forced nearly 200,000 people to flee their homes.

WATCH: The man who rescued a bunny from the wildfires in Ventura County, California talks about the act kindness that’s gone viral

1:00 Man seen rescuing rabbit from the California wildfires speaks out

According to Cal Fire, the Creek Fire burning in the San Fernando Valley north of Los Angeles remains only five per cent contained and has torched over 5,000 hectares and has destroyed at least 30 homes.

Northwest of Los Angeles, the Rye Fire has burned through nearly 3,000 hectares and remains only 10 per cent contained.

The Skirball Fire, flared up early Wednesday in the Bel Air neighbourhood and has torched about 200 hectares and remains only five per cent contained.

The largest of the four, the Thomas Fire, has burned over 36,000 hectares and destroyed 150 structures. The blaze remains only five per cent contained.

READ MORE: Here’s what you need to know about infernos engulfing Los Angeles area

According to Los Angeles’ KABC Eyewitness News, the Creek Fire is responsible for the deaths of nearly 40 horses that were trapped in a barn early Wednesday. Ranch staff told the news station the smell of smoke woke them up at about 4 a.m. They went to the barn only to see the roof on fire.

Staffers attempted to open the barn doors to allow the horses to flee but the heat and flames were too intense to approach the barn.

WATCH: Video coverage of devastating California wildfires

1:28 California wildfires rage on, forcing thousands to evacuate

• California wildfires rage on, forcing thousands to evacuate
• Victims of California wildfires return home to nothing
• Compilation of social media videos shows how close commuters in California are driving to the wildfires
• LA mayor asks residents to keep close watch of fire updates
• Los Angeles fire chief asks public to monitor media reports

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