Crews try to contain hugely destructive fires after powerful windstorm fanned flames, forcing thousands to flee

• California wildfires – live updates

Fast-moving wildfires tore through several neighborhoods of Los Angeles, killing at least five people and incinerating more than 1,000 buildings in the western megalopolis.

The disaster began on Tuesday afternoon, when a powerful windstorm fanned the flames of a fire in the scenic Pacific Palisades neighborhood, quickly forcing thousands to flee.