Prolonged drought, an exceptionally dry winter and powerful Santa Ana winds set up a dangerous triple whammy of extreme conditions that have fueled several out-of-control wildfires in the Los Angeles area.
Fast-moving fires have engulfed the Pacific Palisades neighborhood, along with parts of the Hollywood Hills, Pasadena, Altadena, Sylmar, and other areas, with 11 deaths reported and more than 12,000 structures destroyed as of Friday.
The Los Angeles wildfires have left a trail of destruction, killing at least 24 people and destroying thousands of structures, officials said. Although containing the deadly infernos has been difficult and will remain so as ominous new wind warnings were issued for Southern California communities. Here are latest updates on the most destructive in the history of Los Angeles which has scorched over 23,000 acres, destroying homes, businesses and numerous landmarks.