Lightning is the most common cause of fires in the U.S., according to the National Fire Protection Association, but investigators quickly dismissed it as a factor. There were no reports of lightning in the Palisades area or in the surrounding terrain of the Eaton Fire, which started in east Los Angeles County and has already caused the destruction of hundreds of homes.

The damage: More than 10,000 structures were likely damaged or destroyed by just the Eaton and Palisades fires, according to Cal Fire. Those are preliminary figures that could rise, and include anything from a home to a shed; damage inspectors are still on the ground tallying the damage.

The response: California authorities are fighting the fires with federal assistance and partners from across the country — and even from abroad. Mexico said it would send firefighters and other personnel to LA to help; Canada also said it was in discussions with its US counterparts on how to further assist.

So far, the firefighting effort has included more than 12,000 personnel, 1,150 fire engines, 60 aircraft and 143 water tankers.

The forecast: The area remains under a red flag warning, though firefighters hope winds may ease Friday night allowing them to gain ground on some of the biggest fires.

However, Cal Fire warned, winds are expected to pick back up over the weekend, and there could be a Santa Ana wind event early next week — bringing hot, dry, powerful gusts that could fan the flames of any ongoing fires.