Devastating Fires in Southern California: Heartbreaking Photos Show Widespread Destruction

Devastating brush fires are sweeping across Southern California, claiming five lives and reducing thousands of buildings to ash.

The LA Times reports three major fires happening as of Wednesday: The Palisades Fire, the Eaton Fire and the Hurst Fire. The Palisades Fire is the largest, scorching over 15,800 acres. The Eaton Fire has consumed more than 10,000 acres, while the Hurst Fire has burned 700 acres.

Officials have issued evacuation orders in Calabasas, Malibu, Los Angeles, Pacific Palisades, Pasadena, Altadena and Sierra Madre, NBC reports. And surrounding areas in the region have been told to "stay ready."

Pasadena Fire Chief Chad Augustin said the Eaton Fire was at 0% containment during a press conference around 4:30 p.m. Wednesday. He also said this was the "worst case scenario."

The strong Santa Ana Winds in Southern California further helped the embers spread, aiding the fire to unfurl and grow rapidly, Chief Augustin said.

Iconic structures and buildings across Pacific Coast Highway have burnt completely, leaving steel exoskeletons and bare construction beams. NBC also reports a "preliminary review from J.P. Morgan's insurance analysts estimated that losses from the fires could top $10 billion."

24 school districts in Los Angeles County canceled classes and activities on Wednesday, and most likely will continue to cancel school until the fire is safely contained.

Countless people have lost their homes, thousands of animals need shelter and Californian staples have been scorched to unrecognizable scenes.

The LA Food Bank is working with agencies across the state to help disperse resources across fire departments and affected areas. To donate, click here.

To help support the Los Angeles Fire Department, you can also donate by clicking here.

Many animal shelters in Southern California have asked the public to help with donations and monetary support. The Pasadena Humane Society reports they've taken in over 100 animals since Tuesday night. To donate to the Human Society's wildfire relief, click here.

 Visit redcross.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767) or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a donation. The Red Cross is on the ground in Southern California, helping the community to "make sure no one faces these intense and fast-moving wildfires alone."