Southern California — with sprawling cities, clogged freeways and heavy industry — is already notorious for some of the worst air quality in the nation. This week's wildfires are putting millions of people at risk for immediate health problems and longer term issues.

High pressure is building from the north and that will help to tighten the pressure gradient over southern California, producing more gusty winds.

The Koreatown Center for Community Well-Being (433 S. Vermont Ave., Los Angeles) and Westchester YMCA (8015 S. Sepulveda, Westchester) are the designated donation sites for the YMCA and are accepting essential items for fire-affected families.

The huge, fast-moving fires are stretching the region’s firefighting resources and have become the most destructive in the history of Los Angeles.

Evacuation orders went into effect in Los Angeles' Pacific Palisades neighborhood, with multiple homes under immediate threat on Tuesday.

Firefighters are battling to control a series of major fires in the Los Angeles area that have killed five people, ravaged communities from the Pacific Coast to Pasadena and sent thousands of people f

The shocking fires in Southern California, which began Jan. 7 and are not yet contained, have led to devastation, loss of life and moments of heroism. See the most unbelievable photos of the fire, its aftermath — and those putting their lives on the line to save the communities.

Residents impacted by the California wildfires may get inundated with calls from people offering to handle their claims for them. Here is what to know when filing a claim.