Wildfires are raging out of control across Southern California, destroying homes and businesses and prompting thousands to evacuate.
The Times reports:
The most destructive wildfires in Los Angeles’s history have razed neighborhoods, forced desperate evacuations and threatened wealthy, iconic parts of the city — and they appeared far from being contained as firefighters strained against fierce winds and dry conditions.
The sight of beloved landmarks set against thick columns of smoke and eerie orange skies have created a new sense of vulnerability among residents who are used to fires, but not so much destruction, or so many burning at the same time so close to them.
A new wildfire in the Hollywood Hills threatened a densely populated part of the city. Other major fires — in the coastal Pacific Palisades neighborhood, in the suburban Pasadena area and in a rural stretch of the San Fernando Valley — were still burning out of control Thursday. Anxieties grew as more small fires flared up, even as many were quickly snuffed out.
What is your reaction to the images and news from Southern California? Have you or anyone you know been affected by the wildfires?
Tell us in the comments, and then take a look at these photos and maps to learn more about the wildfires and their impact. You can also find where to find shelter and how to stay safe as fires approach.
Students 13 and older in the United States and Britain, and 16 and older elsewhere, are invited to comment. All comments are moderated by the Learning Network staff, but please keep in mind that once your comment is accepted, it will be made public and may appear in print.