Firefighters are battling to control a series of major fires in the Los Angeles area that have killed five people, ravaged communities from the Pacific Coast to Pasadena and sent thousands of people frantically fleeing their homes.

The Los Angeles wildfires continue to burn out of control, with the death toll now at seven and expected to climb. Nearly 180,000 people have been ordered to evacuate and at least 10,000 buildings have been destroyed, L.A. Sheriff Robert Luna stating in a press conference that some of the impacted areas "look like a bomb was dropped in them."

Two massive wildfires menacing Los Angeles from the east and west devoured nearly 10,000 homes and other structures, burning into a third night even as the fierce winds eased and gave firefighters a welcome but temporary respite.