Wildfires are tearing through Los Angeles, forcing thousands to flee to safety and destroying modest homes and vast mansions. As the fires rage on, powerful images tell stories of fear, desperation and solidarity in the sprawling California city.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass repeatedly dodged questions about her leadership and alleged lack of initial presence during the ongoing wildfires affecting the area.

State authorities previously listed the Palisades as one of the five Southern California areas with the highest concentration of potential wildfire risks. The community also is among the areas most impacted by an unavailability of insurance coverage.