In the close-knit Los Angeles suburb of Altadena, where rows of neat bungalows once nestled in the shadow of the San Gabriel mountains, smoldering ruins and the skeletal frames of burnt out cars now lie.

The Sunset fire has grown rapidly and is threatening a swath of Los Angeles that contains the Hollywood Bowl and the Chinese Theater.

The stretch of Sunset Boulevard near the fire is lined with well-known venues and landmarks, including the TCL Chinese Theatre and Hollywood Bowl.

Stars including Paris Hilton, Milo Ventimiglia, Tina Knowles, and Jeff Bridges have confirmed the loss of their homes amid thousands in the Southern California 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, as dry desert winds fanning the flames again gathered strength.