The death toll of Los Angeles' has now risen to 10, with entire neighbourhoods decimated and hundreds of thousands of terrified locals fleeing to safety.

10 fire-related death notifications were received by the County of Department of Medical Examiner as of Thursday evening, but no names have been released by the medical examiner. All cases are now pending identification and legal next of kin notification, the department added.

Horrifying images of the fire's aftermath shows large neighbourhoods flattened and covered in debris as thousands of homes and cars were left burnt to a crisp. Officials warned the real as it is currently for investigators to access some neighbourhoods.

Describing the horrifying scenes, one LA sherrif said the region looks as though “an atomic bomb dropped in these areas” and while he hopes the death toll doesn't continue rising, he “doesn’t expect good news.” Sheriff Robert Luna said at a news conference on Thursday: “I’m nervous about that number.”

He added that he is praying the death toll doesn’t rise, “but based on the devastation that is clear” he said he “doesn’t expect good news”, CNN reports.

The latest ferocious blaze erupted in the Hollywood Hills and rapidly spread to around one mile from the Hollywood Bowl and and the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Paris Hilton and Heidi Montag are among the A-list stars who have lost their homes.

Hilton said she lost her Malibu home "where we built so many precious memories" adding "my heart and prayers are going out to every family affected by these fires."

In a lengthier post, the reality star said she was "holding onto gratitude that my family and pets are safe. Heartbroken beyond words," Paris wrote. "Sitting with my family, watching the news, and seeing our home in Malibu burn to the ground on live TV is something no one should ever have to experience."

It's also been reported that Los Angeles' iconic Hollywood sign is at risk of burning down, with horrifying images from the scene showing a massive fireball engulfing the hilly terrain close to the 50-foot world-famous structure.

According to AccuWeather, around $57billion (£46billion) in preliminary damage and economic loss has occurred from the fires so far. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said helicopters were attempting to douse the flames but were facing difficulties due to "erratic winds".

President cancelled a trip to Italy to support California Governor Gavin Newsom in managing the rescue response. LA Mayor Karen Bass meanwhile urged residents to conserve water. “Make no mistake, Los Angeles will rebuild stronger than ever,” she said.