Southern California is grappling with the devastating aftermath of multiple wildfires that have swept through Los Angeles County, claiming the lives of at least 10 people and leaving a trail of destruction in their wake. Among the victims is Victor Shaw, 66, who reportedly perished while trying to defend his family home of over 50 years with a garden hose. His remains were discovered on the side of a road, according to his sister's account to KTLA.

As of Friday, five active wildfires—the Palisades, Eaton, Kenneth, Hurst, and Lidia fires—have collectively consumed over 30,000 acres. The Palisades Fire, the largest of the blazes, has scorched more than 20,000 acres and remains only 8% contained. The Eaton Fire has burned over 13,500 acres with just 3% containment. Across the county, the fires have ravaged more than 10,000 homes and businesses. The causes of these infernos are still under investigation.

Victor Shaw (left) and Rodney Nickerson, two victims of the Eaton Fire. (Facebook/Darlene Booker Miller/Kimiko Nickerson)

To bolster public safety, protect property, and prevent potential looting in evacuated areas, Sheriff Robert Luna announced a strict 6 p.m. curfew in the mandatory evacuation zones of the Palisades and Eaton Fire areas. Evacuation orders have been reduced to 153,000 from over 180,000.

The Kenneth Fire, which ignited in the San Fernando Valley on Thursday, posed a particular threat as it neared a school sheltering evacuees from another fire. Fortunately, a swift and robust response from firefighters prevented the flames from spreading further into Ventura County. Although a man was briefly detained near the Kenneth Fire on suspicion of attempted arson, charges were later dropped following an investigation.

Shane Torre and Stephanie Rodriguez survey the remains of their home destroyed by the Eaton Fire. (AP/John Locher)

A concerning incident occurred when a civilian drone collided with the "Super Scooper Quebec 1," a crucial firefighting aircraft, while battling the Palisades Fire. While the pilots were initially unaware of the impact, maintenance crews discovered a fist-sized hole in the wing upon landing. Repairs are underway, with the aircraft expected to return to service on Monday.

Charred vehicles at a dealership after the Eaton Fire.

The full extent of the devastation remains difficult to assess, with officials yet to release damage cost estimates. Barbara Bruderlin, head of the Malibu Pacific Palisades Chamber of Commerce, described the scene as "total devastation and loss," noting areas where nothing but dirt remains.

A firefighter battles the Kenneth Fire in West Hills. (AP/Ethan Swope)

Adding to the challenges, officials issued an apology after an erroneous evacuation warning was mistakenly sent to residents far from the active fire zones. Kevin McGowan, director of the Office of Emergency Management for Los Angeles County, clarified that the alerts were not manually triggered and assured the public that technical specialists are working to identify and rectify the issue.

Destruction left by the Palisades Fire in Pacific Palisades. (AP/Jae C. Hong)

The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed 10 fire-related fatalities, with at least five attributed to the Eaton Fire and two to the Palisades Fire. Among the victims are Anthony Mitchell, 67, and his son Justin, who had cerebral palsy, and 83-year-old Rodney Nickerson, who was found in his bed amidst the debris. Erliene Kelley, a retired pharmacy technician, was also identified as a victim.

Anthony Mitchell, who reportedly died waiting for an ambulance. (Facebook/Hajime White)

Recovery crews also recovered a body from the ruins of a beachfront home in Malibu.