By Andy Sullivan The Pacific Palisades area ravaged by wildfires in Los Angeles is one of the most expensive neighborhoods in the U.S., home to Hollywood A-Listers and multimillion dollar mansions. And ahead of this week's disaster,

The wind-driven wildfires burning out of control in the Los Angeles area couldn't have emerged at a more perilous moment for California's homeowners, as officials try to rehab what they concede is a deepening "insurance crisis.

This week's fires will only worsen the situation, insurance and real estate experts told Business Insider. "It's like we took two steps forward, then we just took five back," Cali

At around 10 a.m. Wednesday morning, Pacific Palisades, a coastal community of about 23,000 people, was still burning from the wildfires that have swept through the city this week.

Street after street, there is little but dark ash and ruin where a wealthy seaside enclave favored by celebrities once stood

As wildfires roar into residential neighborhoods, firefighters in California and elsewhere are finding that water systems can’t keep up with the demand.

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 frantically fleeing their homes.

Fierce wildfires are raging in the Los Angeles area, with fast-moving flames burning through homes and businesses. Residents are fleeing smoke-filled canyons.

(structures includes vehicles) - 3 deaths - 4 firefighter injuries - 1,527 fire personnel assigned - Cause of fire unknown - Structure fire encompassed two homes and brush, extended into adjacent brush - Stopped forward progress at just under 1 acre Several homes went up in flames Wednesday as a new wildfire erupted in Studio City.