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.

Firefighters are battling to control a series of major fires in the Los Angeles area that have killed five people, ravaged communities and sent thousands of people fleeing their homes.

LA residents rushing to flee wildfires this week faced choke points, gridlock and the tough decision of whether to abandon their cars to the fire.