Amid concerns over looters targeting wildfire victims’ homes, some residents are defying evacuation orders and choosing to protect their properties instead.

Wind-driven flames are pushing through the greater Los Angeles area, forcing residents to flee their homes by the tens of thousands. At least five major wildfires present an unprecedented disaster for rescue and relief officials,

Jan. 17 A new wildfire was reported today at 5:59 p.m. in Los Angeles County. The wildfire has been burning on private land. Currently, there is no information on the containment of the fire and the cause of it has yet to be determined.

Heartbroken families, burned-out business owners and beleaguered Los Angeles leaders are beginning to ponder a monumental task: rebuilding what was lost in the fires.