Pacific Palisades, Eaton, Hurst, fires intensify; Hollywood Hills, Woodley, Lidia fires ease; five people dead; celebrity homes destroyed

It’s Thursday morning in Los Angeles and while wind conditions have eased slightly, the National Weather Service is warning “critical” fire conditions will continue into Friday.

A “red flag” warning from the service said gusty Santa Ana winds and low humidity were leading to an increased risk of fires rapidly spreading and extreme fire behaviour.

Winds had eased on Wednesday night and Thursday morning, but they are forecast to pick up again and become more widespread throughout Thursday and into Friday.

“If fire ignition occurs, conditions are favourable for very rapid fire spread and extreme fire behaviour, including long-range spotting, which would threaten life and property,” the warning said.

“There will be a high risk for widespread downed trees and powerlines, as well as widespread power outages.”