High resolution satellite imagery taken over the last 24 hours shows the scale of destruction wrought on neighbourhoods north of Los Angeles by several fires.
Firefighters are battling several blazes, the largest of which began on Tuesday, and forecasters say the weather locally is likely to be conducive to further fire issues into tomorrow night.
High winds abated somewhat yesterday, allowing aircraft to conduct water drops on the Sunset fire near Hollywood, which has now been contained. However, strong gusts are expected to return this evening.
The sunset fire began earlier yesterday, and destroyed properties across 60 acres in the west Hollywood Hills, which is home to many celebrities and wealthy individuals.
Evacuation orders for that area have now been lifted, with residents asked to take care when returning to the area.
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The two main outbreaks around LA, named the Palisades and Eaton fires, have already destroyed more than 1,000 buildings each.
The cause of the fires are under investigation, local fire department officials said. Images from commercial satellite provider Maxar taken over the last day show the fires spread rapidly.
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Five people have been killed but the city authorities fear they will find more bodies in the debris.
The fires have forced the evacuation of more than 100,000 Los Angeles County residents.
Dozens of shelters are trying to assist those who have fled their homes, as authorities have warned hotels and hostels against profiting from the crisis by increasing prices.
The growth of the Eaton fire has been slowed significantly across Thursday, according to Los Angeles's most senior fire officer, who was speaking at a media briefing.
However, the Palisades fire is now "one of the most destructive natural disasters in the history of Los Angeles," LA Fire Chief Kristin Crowley said.
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The US National Weather Service has extended Red Flag warnings - issued when the risk for fire is high due to low humidity, high winds and warm temperatures - for Los Angeles and Ventura counties through to 6pm tomorrow.
It said humidity will remain at 10% to 20% through tomorrow, falling to bone-dry single digits at times.
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January is well outside of the traditional California wildfire season, but the blazes spread quickly, leading to questions about preparedness and the impact of climate change.
