Wildfires are tearing through Los Angeles, forcing thousands to flee to safety and destroying modest homes and vast mansions. As the fires rage on, powerful images tell stories of fear, desperation and solidarity in the sprawling California city.

Thousands of people have been forced to flee after "unprecedented" Palisades, Eaton and Hurst fires ravage Los Angeles County.

"It’s hard to see, because there’s so much pain and suffering,” said one local, who dropped off toys at the Westwood Recreation Center in West Los Angeles.