The many fires burning around Los Angeles are pressing the limits of firefighting.

Winds and unusually dry conditions played a crucial role in setting the stage for the extreme wildfires ravaging Los Angeles County.

Massive wind-driven fires in Los Angeles County have killed at least five people and left others with “significant injuries.” Follow for live updates.

Paige St. John covers criminal justice, disasters and investigative stories for the Los Angeles Times from Northern California. She was awarded the Pulitzer Prize in investigative reporting in 2011.