Emergency shelters have become refuges for many whose lives have been upended by the unprecedented fires that continue to ravage the Los Angeles area.

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.

Hollywood celebrities were among 30,000 residents told to flee their homes as wildfires driven by powerful winds and dry winter conditions threatened upscale Los Angeles neighbourhoods on Tuesday.