Six dead as fires in Southern California decimate Los Angeles area

By Faris Tanyos, Jordan Freiman, Brian Dakss, Kerry Breen

LOS ANGELES, Calif. (CBS NEWS) -- Fires across the Los Angeles area, including one that broke out in the Hollywood Hills, scorched more than 54 square miles and put roughly 179,000 people under evacuation orders, according to officials.

At least six people are dead. Thousands of structures were destroyed and over 60,000 more were threatened Thursday as strong winds fanned blazes in densely populated parts of Southern California, officials said. 

The two largest blazes – the Palisades and Eaton fires – weren't contained at all as of Thursday afternoon, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, or Cal Fire. Residents described sweeping devastation, harrowing escapes and losing their homes, while photos showed stunning scenes of destruction.

• The Palisades Fire in Los Angeles has grown to cover over 31 square miles and likely destroyed thousands of structures, according to Cal Fire. One person is dead, according to the City of Malibu.
• The Eaton Fire, in the hills above Altadena in northern Los Angeles County, has killed five people and burned more than 21 square miles. Between 4,000 and 5,000 structures were believed to have been destroyed or damaged.
• The Sunset Fire, which erupted Wednesday in Hollywood Hills, prompted a new round of mandatory evacuations and threatened iconic landmarks. By Thursday, all evacuation orders for the fire were lifted and the blaze had been fully contained, according to officials.
• The Hurst and Lidia fires scorched at least 855 acres and 348 acres, respectively. The Hurst Fire was 10% contained and the Lidia Fire was 60% contained as of Thursday afternoon.
• The Kenneth Fire in Woodland Hills has burned 50 acres.

This is a developing story. Check back for details.