As the state groaned under strained firefighting resources and the governor declared a state of emergency, firefighters continued to fight the blaze that erupted early morning Sunday in Malibu.

By late Monday evening, the Canyon fire was 8 percent contained, fire officials said. So far, it has burned 3,800 acres and destroyed six homes, a church, two commercial buildings and three businesses. It also damaged 16 homes and businesses.

There has been one injury — a firefighter suffering from dehydration.

The cause of the fire is still being investigated, but it may have been caused by downed power lines.

The total cost to fight the fire has been $1.2 million so far.

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger came to Malibu on Monday, where he was briefed on the strained resources battling the wind-driven fires ravaging Southern California counties.

Ventura County Fire Department Chief Bob Roper pointed out the locations of two fires burning in Ventura County on a map laid out before the governor.

"Particularly troublesome is the Ranch fire in Castaic, moving northeast to Piru and Val Verde," Roper said.

The governor toured the charred remains of Malibu Presbyterian Church, which was destroyed Sunday.

"It's a tragic time for California," Schwarzenegger said of the wind-driven fires as he prepared to leave the church. "We have weather conditions that are perfect for huge fires."

The fire also destroyed the landmark Castle Kashan, a stately fortresslike home with turrets and arched windows.

The castle belonged to Lilly Lawrence, the daughter of a former Iranian oil minister. She said she was able to gather a few things before the fire engulfed her home, including some jewelry and memorabilia that included Elvis Presley's Army fatigues.

She didn't seem too worried about losing most of her belongings in the fire.

"My parents taught me not to allow my possessions to possess me," Lawrence told KABC-TV. "So, that's the story. The house is a house."

In addition to Ventura County, the governor declared a state of emergency in Santa Barbara, Los Angeles, San Diego, Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino counties.

During his visit, the governor was joined by Los Angeles County Sheriff Lee Baca; Los Angeles County Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky; California Fire Chief Ruben Grijalva; and Kim Zagaris, the state fire and rescue chief for the governor's Office of Emergency Services.

Residents were repeatedly urged to obey evacuation orders.

About 700 firefighters worked to protect hundreds of homes in several upscale communities nestled in the hills.

About 1,500 people were evacuated. No residents or firefighters were injured, Los Angeles County Fire Chief P. Michael Freeman said. The fire is expected to burn for another two to three days, he said. Until the blaze is extinguished, "there will literally be thousands of homes that will be threatened at one time or another," he said.

— The Associated Press contributed to this report.