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.

Hollywood celebrities were among 30,000 residents told to flee their homes as wildfires driven by powerful winds and dry winter conditions threatened upscale Los Angeles neighbourhoods on Tuesday.