As winds near coastal Pacific Palisades approached extreme levels, the first signs emerged of a fire that would soon grow out of control.

The largest wildfire to hit Los Angeles this week rapidly tore through homes and communities, whipped by winds that sent embers skyward.

Can a city lose an entire neighborhood now and simply shuffle on, dragging the local memory like a ghost limb?

"Star Wars" actor Mark Hamill was among the thousands who evacuated Los Angeles. Other stars, including Paris Hilton, Billy ...