Out-of-control wildfires are ripping across parts of Los Angeles, leading to at least 10 deaths, burning down hundreds of buildings, and prompting evacuation orders for thousands of residents across the county.
Despite the efforts of thousands of firefighters, the biggest blazes remain mostly or totally uncontained – with weather conditions and the underlying impact of climate change expected to continue fanning the flames for days to come.
What’s the latest?
In LA county, some 153,000 people are under evacuation orders as of Friday morning. Many of them fled their homes with just the belongings they could carry.
Another 166,000 residents are under evacuation warning, meaning they may need to leave their homes soon.
More than 10,000 buildings have been razed by the fires, which are the most destructive in the history of LA. A further 60,000 are also at risk. Insured losses are expected to be above $8bn (£6.5bn) because of the high value of properties in the paths of the blazes.
A man was arrested on Thursday afternoon after residents suspected that he was attempting to start a new fire. Police said he was charged with a probation violation but that there was not enough probable cause to charge him with arson, and an investigation continues.
The causes of the original fires are not yet known.
National Guard troops have been deployed in some parts of the city to prevent looting in evacuated areas, and there have been 20 arrests, according to police.
Celebrities who have lost their homes include Mel Gibson, Leighton Meester and Adam Brody, who attended the Golden Globes just days ago, actor James Woods and Paris Hilton.
