California Wildfire Map Reveals Scope of Historic Blaze That Torched Malibu

The wildfires blazing through Los Angeles have already taken historical proportions and authorities are saying they are not close to containing them, as elevated to critical fire weather conditions are expected in Southern California through the weekend.

At least 10 people have died so far and 180,000 residents have been forced to evacuate. Officials fear the death toll may keep rising as firefighters battle blazes fueled by dry conditions and powerful Santa Ana winds that are expected to persist through Friday.

Aerial views have made waves through social media, showing the scope of the destruction caused so far. And a map from AirNow details its full range by also indicating the amount of areas in which air quality is dangerous for residents.

The worst-hit areas are those near Malibu and Santa Monica, as well as Pasadena, Alhambra and Monterey Park. The organization's air sensor shows several areas with an "unhealthy" category, recommending "everyone should take precautions by reducing outdoor activity; go inside to cleaner air if you have symptoms." The same recommendations apply to areas in Long Beach, Willowbrook, and East Los Angeles, among others.

However, Pasadena, Alhambra and Monterey Park are under the worst conditions at the moment. Air quality is considered "very unhealthy." "Everyone limit or avoid outdoor physical activity," AirNow recommends.

Several school districts are cancelling classes. Sylvia Kotikian, a medical director at Adventist Health Glendale, warned residents to stay safe as smoke makes it difficult to breathe. "For a healthy person like me it's hard to breathe, so it's much harder for people with lung issues," she told NBC News.

"People who are home must have their windows shut and change their air conditioning filters or heaters. If you are in your cars, keep air recirculating instead of allowing it to enter the vehicle," she added. "Don't go out on the street."

In Pacific Palisades and Malibu, entire neighborhoods, including some with celebrity homes in them, were reduced to rubble. The fires have destroyed critical infrastructure, including schools, churches, libraries, and businesses, with analysts estimating economic losses between $135 and $150 billion, according to AccuWeather, a private company that provides data on weather and its impact.

Fire officials have made some progress containing the blazes, aided by out-of-state crews and calmer winds earlier in the week. However, gusty Santa Ana winds are expected to intensify, particularly in Ventura County and parts of the Palisades Fire area, posing renewed challenges.