Before and after: Destruction of wildfires burning across California

Satellite images captured from space on Thursday (January 9) and over various dates showed the wake of destruction after multiple fires raged uncontrollably around Los Angeles, destroying hundreds of homes as thousands fled.

The Palisades Fire between Santa Monica and Malibu on the city's western flank and the Eaton Fire in the east near Pasadena already rank as the most destructive in Los Angeles history, consuming nearly 31,000 acres (12,500 hectares) - or some 48 square miles (125 sq km) - turning entire neighborhoods to ash.

Seven people have been killed, thousands of homes and businesses have been incinerated and nearly 180,000 people have been ordered to evacuate their homes, with another 200,000 under evacuation warnings, officials said.

In all, several wildfires burned in Los Angeles County, including one rapidly growing blaze that crossed the border from Ventura County. The skies buzzed with aircraft dropping retardant and water on the flaming hills.