Wildfires burning in Los Angeles County have left five people dead and burned thousands of structures to the ground this week, becoming some of the most destructive the area has seen in decades.

Wildfires menacing Los Angeles have killed at least 10 people and devoured nearly 10,000 structures, with five fires burning into a third night on Thursday, as dry desert winds fanning the flames again gathered strength.

Out-of-control wildfires are ripping across parts of Los Angeles, leading to at least five deaths, burning down hundreds of buildings, and prompting more than 130,000 people to flee their homes in America's second-largest city.

Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna says the main priority for his staff is preserving life as crews continue to help with evacuations and fire mitigation. CBS News Los Angeles spoke to Luna about the life-saving efforts.

At least 20 people have been arrested on suspicion of looting during the wildfires raging in Los Angeles, according to officials.

Los Angeles DA vows to crack down on opportunist thieves amid looting as firefighters struggle to contain multiple wildfires raging in Southern California.

Los Angeles officials said on Thursday they had arrested 20 people for looting as vast swaths of the city have been left abandoned due to the wildfire evacuations. “We continue to conduct roving patrols,

I promise you, you will be held accountable,” Los Angeles Supervisor Kathryn Barger said at a press conference Thursday

This is simply unacceptable,” LA County Board of Supervisors Chair Kathryn Barger said. “… I promise you, you will be held accountable.