A firefighter battles a blaze in Altadena, California. Picture: AP

A man uses a garden hose in an effort to save a neighbouring home in Altadena. Picture: Getty Images

Firefighters battle flames in the Pacific Palisades neighbourhood of Los Angeles. Picture: AFP

A home is engulfed by flames in Los Angeles County. Picture: AFP

Dozens of beachfront homes destroyed in Malibu. Picture: Getty Images

Thick, heavy smoke shrouds downtown LA. Picture: AP

A house burns on the Pacific Coast Highway in Los Angeles. Picture: Getty Images

The Palisades fire has destroyed more than 1000 homes and businesses. Picture: Getty Images

Residents of a seniors’ centre are evacuated in Altadena. Picture: AP

A man walks past a fire-ravaged business in Altadena. Picture: AP

LA Police Chief Jim McDonnell said the focus of emergency services was saving lives. Picture: AFP

Claudio and Kathleen Boltiansky embrace in their fire-ravaged neighbourhood of Pacific Palisades. Picture: AP

Megan Mantia and her boyfriend Thomas return to Mantia’s fire-damaged home after the Eaton fire. Picture: AP

Police remove an eldery resident from her home in Altadena. Picture: AFP

Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone said his crews were overwhelmed by the scale and speed of the unfolding disasters. Picture: AP

The Pacific Palisades fire has consumed more than 6500 hectares. Picture: AP

Firefighters have been faced with flames fanned by hurricane-force winds. Picture: AFP

A car and home burn in Altadena. Picture: AFP

Intense Santa Ana winds have driven the devastating fires. Picture: Getty Images

Emergency services have faced apocalyptic scenes. Picture: AP