The Palisades Fire erupted Tuesday and ripped through this coastal enclave. By Friday morning, the fire scorched 20,438 acres with only 8% contained.

Residents of the Pacific Palisades neighborhood near Los Angeles, California, are now taking stock of widespread devastation as a wind-driven wildfire continues to burn through the community. (Scripps

Multiple major wildfires are leaving a trail of destruction and death in the Los Angeles area.A handful of wildfires that kicked up Tuesday, powered by high winds and dry conditions, have exploded in size.

As a Los Angeles resident, I’ve personally seen dozens of peers opening their doors to those in evacuation zones, fostering displaced pets, rushing to donate necessities, and doing whatever they can to spread the word about urgent resources—from local evacuation shelters and restaurants offering free food to ways to stay safe from smoke inhalation —all while monitoring wildfire apps like Watch Duty and preparing for their own potential evacuations.