At least five people were killed and nearly 2,000 structures were destroyed as fierce wildfires raged in the Los Angeles area, officials said. Fast-moving flames burned through homes and businesses as residents fled smoke-filled canyons and picturesque neighborhoods that are home to many celebrities.

Firefighters are exhausted and facing low water supply. L.A. officials are urging residents to conserve their water use as firefighters run out of fuel to tamp down the flames. Firefighters went through at least three 1-million gallon tanks.

Crews battling multiple wildfires that raged across Los Angeles on Wednesday were up against a near-perfect storm: intense wind, low humidity and, most troubling for residents, inadequate supplies of water to contain the blazes.