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.

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 destroyed homes in Altadena Calif., a town northeast of Pasadena. The image was captured Jan. 8 by Maxar Technologies' shortwave infrared sensor. This sensor has the ability to see through the dense smoke of an active fire to the ground beneath, as well as locating the flame front and hot spots in the fire, according to Maxar.

Los Angeles is reeling from the most destructive wildfires in its history, and firefighters are struggling to contain the devastating blaze.

The devastating fires ripping through Los Angeles are fueled by unusual weather conditions that the National Weather Service called “about as bad as it gets in terms of fire weather.” And driving that worst-case scenario is a rapidly warming planet,

A heavy wet season in California’s past winters spurred more grass and brush, which then dried out quickly last summer. Those conditions are making fires worse.

High pressure is building from the north and that will help to tighten the pressure gradient over southern California, producing more gusty winds.

Southern California ‒ with sprawling cities, clogged freeways and heavy industry ‒ is already notorious for some of the worst air quality in the nation. This week's wildfires are putting millions of people at risk for immediate health problems and longer-term issues.