As a grandson who lived with him frantically packed a car, Nickerson refused all entreaties to evacuate.

The 20-year-old rushed back when he heard the news, only to find his corner of north-west Altadena pitch black and members of his family frantically evacuating their home.

Thousands of firefighters have been attempting to contain the wind-driven fires in California which have killed 10 people, ravaged communities, and sent thousands of people frantically fleeing their properties.

There were few signs of the residents who called the neighborhood home — many of who were frantically trying to get in at the checkpoint a mile away.

Trump's lawyers frantically filed appeals and even petitioned the US Supreme Court to halt the Friday hearing.