The ongoing wildfires in Los Angeles, the most destructive in its history, have burned more than 54 square miles (140 square km) of land, destroyed thousands of structures and killed at least five people, the United Press International reported.

More than 179,000 residents were under evacuation orders as of Thursday afternoon, and weather forecasters have extended a red flag warning until 6pm local time (PST) Friday in Los Angeles and Ventura counties.