Strong Santa Ana winds are fueling multiple wildfires burning across Southern California, forcing tens of thousands of residents to flee from their homes.
Firefighters are actively battling five brush fires at once.
The Palisades Fire, said to be one of the most destructive natural disasters in Los Angeles history, has spread across nearly 20,000 acres and is currently at 6% containment, according to the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.
The Eaton Fire has charred more than 13,000 acres and the Kenneth Fire has smoldered more than 900 acres. At this time, these fires remain at 0% containment.
The Hurst Fire, impacting more than 700 acres, remains at 37% containment and the Lidia Fire, scorching more than 300 acres, remains at 60% containment.
Firefighters gained full containment of the Woodley Fire, which burned across 30 acres, by Wednesday evening local time. The Sunset Fire, crossing more than 40 acres in the famed Hollywood Hills, was also fully contained by Thursday afternoon.
At least five people were killed in the fires, with many others sustaining injuries, according to officials. The death toll is expected to rise.
Evacuation orders were issued in areas surrounding the brush fires, effecting nearly 180,000 residents with nearly an additional 200,000 under evacuation warnings, authorities said Thursday.
Thousands of structures were destroyed in the Palisades and Eaton fires, officials said.
Nearly 1.2 million people were left without power across the state on Wednesday. As of Thursday morning local time, at least 420,000 customers were still without power.
MORE: Heidi Montag, Cameron Mathison among celebs sharing damage from California firesLos Angeles County Fire Department Chief Anthony Marrone said during a press conference that despite prepositioning resources from Northern California, the agencies were "not prepared for this type of widespread disaster."
MORE: California wildfire forecast: Wind speeds remain high as brush fire threat continuesPresident Joe Biden has signed a disaster declaration for California at the request of Gov. Gavin Newsom, who declared a state of emergency on Tuesday night.
Here's how you can help those affected by the wildfires:
The American Red Cross has hundreds of volunteers deploying to Los Angeles to assist with emergent needs of those displaced by the fire.
The agency currently has four shelters in place and plans to add more as needed, according to Los Angeles regional executive director Joanne Nowlin.
"This is significant," Nowlin told ABC News. "It's not just the fire, but you've got wind damage, you've got power outages, you've got trees falling, deteriorating air quality. This is impacting thousands and thousands of folks in Los Angeles."
The Red Cross provides emergency relief to residents and families impacted by disasters, providing meals, medical care and a safe place to shower and sleep.
Click here to donate.
(MORE: Los Angeles restaurants, chefs, food trucks help serve relief to fire victims, evacuees, 1st responders)The Salvation Army is able to provide assistance by delivering water, food and emergency supplies.
The agency offers both long-term recovery assistance and emergency relief.
Click here to learn more.
World Central Kitchen's relief team is able to support those impacted by the wildfires, as well as first responders, in Southern California.
According to the agency, teams have mobilized to bring in meals to those who are in need of help.
Click here to learn more.
Airbnb.org is offering temporary housing for those displaced by the fires in the Los Angeles area.
The company is working with 211 LA, which offers free housing in Los Angeles County, to coordinate the housing effort.
Click here for more information.
(MORE: Wildfires devastate Los Angeles: 'Everything was on fire')The California Fire Foundation works with community-based organizations and local fire agencies to offer financial support for residents who are impacted by the fires.
Click here to learn more.
The CAL FIRE Benevolent Foundation provides funding for firefighters and their families to help them recover from injuries and hardship.
Click here to learn more.
The California Community Foundation has worked to help Los Angeles County since 1915.
The agency's Wildfire Recovery Fund targets hard to reach communities in the area with the intent of providing long-term recovery relief.
Click here to learn more.
The Global Empowerment Mission works to provide emergency aid supplies to those in need, such as nonperishable food items, hygiene products and water. They also provide generators, medical supplies and temporary shelters.
Click here to learn more.