Latest photos capture aftermath of 'destructive' Palisades Fire in Los Angeles

Footage and photos showcase the devastation in the Pacific Palisades, a neighborhood in Los Angeles damaged by an intense blaze that destroyed nearly 20,000 acres of land and led to widespread evacuations.

The flames ignited earlier this week, on Tuesday, and spread due to extreme Santa Ana winds. It's one of several fires ? including Eaton, Hurst, and Sunset ? that erupted in the Los Angeles area. The Los Angeles Medical Examiner's Office said the fires have claimed at least 10 lives.

"Preliminary reports estimate the damaged or destroyed structures to be in the thousands," Los Angeles Fire Department Chief Kristen Crowley said at a news conference on Thursday. "It is safe to say the Palisades Fire is one of the most destructive natural disasters in the history of Los Angeles."

The Palisades Fire has also impacted historic buildings, like the Topanga Ranch Motel and Will Rogers' ranch house.

“California State Parks mourns the loss of these treasured natural and cultural resources, and our hearts go out to everyone impacted by the devastating fires in the Los Angeles area,” California State Parks Director Armando Quintero stated.

Here are photos of the destruction from the Palisades Fire:

Other California fires: Sunset Fire erupts in Hollywood Hills, flames send residents fleeing: See photos.

Photos show the destruction from the Palisades Fire

Contributing: USA TODAY staff

Taylor Ardrey is a news reporter for USA TODAY. You can reach her at [email protected].

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Palisades Fire damage photos: Latest images capture destruction in LA