Latest on S. California wildfires: 179K under evacuation orders; sheriff says some areas look ‘like a bomb was dropped’

Here is the latest updated information on the deadly, devastating wildfires near Los Angeles.

What we know about the California wildfires

• Fierce wildfires burning out of control in the greater Los Angeles area have killed at least five people and forced nearly 180,000 people from their homes. Authorities said the total number of deaths from the fires are unknown at this time.
  
• At least five fires are burning covering more than 45 square miles, sparked by dry conditions and powerful winds, causing unprecedented scenes in areas not known for fires.
  
• The Palisades Fire has burned through more than 17,234 acres, almost 27 square miles. It has destroyed 1,000 structures and is entirely uncontained, making it the most destructive in L.A. history.
  
• The latest blaze, the Sunset Fire, started shortly before 6 p.m. in the Hollywood Hills and has grown to 60 acres while threatening iconic landmarks.
  
• More than 350,000 energy customers were without power early today, including 200,000 in L.A. County, the most populous county in the country.
  
• The intense Santa Ana winds have eased compared to the past two days, but wind gusts are still forecast to be 40-50 mph today and 50-70 mph tonight into tomorrow morning.