Much of the Los Angeles area resembled a war zone Wednesday as at least four massive fires raged unchecked and destroyed hundreds of structures, driven by the worst Santa Ana winds to hit the region in more than a decade — winds that were expected to ease slightly by evening but continue into Thursday.

Parts of Southern California, including Los Angeles, are under an extreme fire risk on Wednesday as Santa Ana winds continue to impact the region. The threat will lessen slightly on Thursday before ramping up again later in the week.

Well known parts of Los Angeles county have been set ablaze through the night as over 1,400 firefighters battle wildfire this morning.

A high wind warning is in effect for the Los Angeles area from 4 p.m. Tuesday to 6 p.m. Wednesday. As of 5:24 a.m., the fiercest winds, at up to 79 mph, have been reported in the San Gabriel Mountains at the Mount Lukens Truck Trail above La Cañada Flintridge.