At least five people were killed and thousands of structures were burned as fierce wildfires raged in the Los Angeles area, officials said. Fast-moving flames blazed through homes and businesses as residents fled smoke-filled canyons and picturesque neighborhoods that are home to many celebrities.

The Eaton Fire was first reported around 6:30 p.m. local time in the Altadena area and quickly spread, with the potential to grow much further.

California has been struck by a wave of wildfires with one described as a "near worst-case scenario" by a meteorologist.