Four wildfires are spreading across Los Angeles fuelled by strong winds, engulfing homes, forcing tens of thousands to flee and killing five people. A state of emergency has been declared in California.

Fierce wildfires are raging in the Los Angeles area, with fast-moving flames burning through homes and businesses. Residents are fleeing smoke-filled canyons.

Those looking to assist residents affected by the Los Angeles County firestorm have a number of options to donate money, materials or their time.

Moore, Cary Elwes and Paris Hilton are among the stars who said Wednesday they had lost homes in the fires. California firefighters are battling wind-whipped fires tearing across the area, destroying homes,

At least two people were killed and tens of thousands were forced to evacuate as multiple wildfires devastated the Los Angeles area and stretched the region’s firefighting resources to its limits. A wind-fueled fire has raced through the affluent Pacific Palisades neighborhood and others sparked and quickly spread around Los Angeles County.

Massive wildfires roaring through the Los Angeles area left neighborhoods in ruins Wednesday, killing at least five people and threatening landmarks made famous by Hollywood as desperate residents escaped through flames that spread out of control with help from hurricane-force winds.