For years, renowned fire experts Jack Cohen and Stephen Pyne have tried to shift the conversation on fire prevention strategies. This week’s destruction, they say, could have been minimized.

Los Angeles is reeling from the most destructive wildfires in its history, and firefighters are struggling to contain the devastating blaze.

The biggest threat to Los Angeles remains the strong winds, which reduced in speed early Thursday morning, allowing firefighters to better take control of the fires. Stronger winds, however, returned later in the day.

At least five people have been killed and thousands of structures have burned in wildfires raging in the Los Angeles area

Thousands of people have been forced to evacuate their homes in California as six fires continue to devastate the Los Angeles area.