For years, some of us have fought for putting utility equipment underground.

Fueled by powerful winds and dry conditions, a series of ferocious wildfires erupted the second week of January and roared across the Los Angeles area.

The beach city of Malibu was one of the areas decimated by the wave of wildfires that swept through Los Angeles County. Thousands raced away from their homes and businesses as the fire advanced. In the chaos, many were left with no choice but to leave their animals at the mercy of the flames.

"A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now, or will shortly," the NWS said.

Malibu's serene beauty before the wildfires included stunning coastlines and celebrity havens. Here's what the community looked like before the devastation.

Mel Gibson visited the rubble of his $14.5 million Malibu mansion Wednesday, one week after it burned down in the Palisades Fire. The actor, 69, was escorted through his neighborhood in a firetruck and then surveyed the damage done to his home of 15 years.

California officials will reopen some Palisades Fire evacuation zones, as law enforcement ramps up security to address looting.

Many know Malibu as a world-famous hub of wellness, rehabilitation and addiction treatment. The fires are tearing it apart.

In a new interview, "Love Story" star Ali MacGraw recalls losing everything in the 1993 Malibu fire and details the emotional moment she knew she had to flee Los Angeles.

Kanye West’s infamous Malibu mansion — a Tadao Ando-designed masterpiece that West left gutted and abandoned — has miraculously survived the devastating California wildfires, according to its new owner. The news was first reported by Realtor.com.

A former child star from Australia died when the Los Angeles wildfires ripped through his family’s Malibu estate in California earlier this week, according to his mother.

The answer is more complex than it appears. Experts say these stories of survival often overlook critical factors, from firefighting efforts to the unpredictable paths of embers.