Emergency shelters have become refuges for many whose lives have been upended by the unprecedented fires that continue to ravage the Los Angeles area.

Two massive wildfires menacing Los Angeles from the east and west devoured nearly 10,000 homes and other structures, burning into a third night even as the fierce winds eased and gave firefighters a welcome but temporary respite.

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.