U.S. authorities announced that at least five people have died in the wildfires that broke out on the outskirts of Los Angeles and are still out of control, warning that the death toll is likely to rise.

Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna said on "KNX" radio, "As of Wednesday evening, we had reported two deaths. Unfortunately, the number has risen to five as we continue to progress in this area.

He added, "Remember that the situation is still very volatile, and the fire has not been contained at all. I truly pray that we do not find more casualties, but I do not believe that will be the case.

The flames of these massive wildfires, fueled by strong winds, have consumed over a thousand buildings in the second-largest city in the United States and forced tens of thousands to evacuate their homes.

The air has filled with a thick cloud of smoke and ash, prompting warnings about air quality in a wide area of Southern California.