Major wildfires around Los Angeles today left an apocalyptic wake of destruction after strong winds ripped through the mountains and foothills.
The Palisades Fire burns homes on a hilltop in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles. (Source: Associated Press)
Rows of cars at a dealership, blasted by flames, looked like they had been bombed. A man wearing a mask walked by debris of a neighbourhood destroyed. A couple, arms around each other, looked at what was left of their smouldering home. A statue of a human, without a head, lay on a street.
A statue and other structures are burned as the Palisades Fire ravages the Pacific Palisades neighbourhood of Los Angeles. (Source: Associated Press)
Fire-damaged vehicles are lined up at a dealership after the Eaton Fire swept through Altadena, California. (Source: Associated Press)
It all began yesterday, when powerful winds took small fires and made them huge — vivid orange flames lighting the sky in the Pacific Palisades neighbourhood.
The Palisades Fire burns a Christmas tree inside a residence in the Pacific Palisades neighbourhood of Los Angeles. (Source: Associated Press)
Firefighters and residents raced to stop the flames any way they could. One firefighter dragged a hose, dousing a smoking car. But, in so many cases, the flames couldn't be stopped. One vehicle, a truck, was engulfed.
The Palisades Fire burns a structure in the Pacific Palisades neighbourhood of Los Angeles. (Source: Associated Press)
The fast-moving fires forced thousand of residents to evacuate. Authorities moved to get the most vulnerable out first, such as people in a senior centre. Some were brought out on hospital stretchers, others in wheelchairs. Nearly all were wearing masks, trying to protect themselves from oppressive smoke that was everywhere.
Thick heavy smoke from wildfires shrouds downtown Los Angeles. (Source: Associated Press)
Burned structures and active fire burning from the Palisades Fire in Tuna Canyon in Los Angeles. (Source: Maxar Technologies via AP)
Amid the destruction, firefighters tried to save homes — or keep others from being chewed up. One firefighter jumped a fence while others, holding large hoses, pumped water.
Beach front homes are destroyed by the Palisades Fire in Malibu, California. (Source: Associated Press)
Beachfront homes are destroyed by the Palisades Fire in Malibu, California. (Source: Associated Press)
The Sunset Fire was burning near the Hollywood Bowl and other iconic landmarks in the Hollywood Hills.
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Football Fern Ali Riley said her "entire neighbourhood is gone".
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In addition to the five deaths, Los Angeles County Fire Chief said many others were hurt in the fires, which threatened at least 28,000 structures.
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In many cases, nothing could be saved. At best, flames could be put out in hopes that it stopped embers from flying in the winds and igniting nearby homes.
Burning and destroyed houses from the Eaton Fire near Marathon Rd in Altadena, California. (Source: Maxar Technologies via AP)
