Five people are now known to have died in the fires, which are the worst in LA’s history, fuelled by persistent strong winds. Evacuation shelters have been set up, and the Foreign Office has launched a helpline for affected British nationals.
Speaking to BBC Radio 4’s Today show, Californian Fire Service battalion chief David Acuna said the fire in the Hollywood Hills area, one of the five main fires, was expanding rapidly. He added the fires were burning with "zero" containment owing to winds of 60-100mph on Wednesday (8 January).
"We are heartbroken to see the devastation caused by the Los Angeles wildfires," said Discover Los Angeles, which has published a list of relief accommodation available to people affected by the fires, as well as an extensive list of tourist attraction closures.
These include Universal Studios and Universal City Walk, which was shut on Wednesday, Warner Bros Studio Tours, which will be closed on Thursday (9 January), and performances of Wicked at the Pantages Theatre, as well as a number of museums, cultural venues and outdoor activities.
Discover LA is urging visitors to monitor information from the Los Angeles Fire Department, and to heed all warnings and evacuation orders.
"Our hearts are with the members of our community during this difficult time," the organisation added in a statement. "We extend our deepest gratitude to the first responders who have worked tirelessly to combat the fires since they began on Tuesday."
The City of Santa Monica, meanwhile, has issued an expanded evacuation order, and warned residents and visitors evacuation warnings remain in place for several areas. Residents are visitors are being advised to avoid any non-essential travel to northern areas of the city.
It added "many" hotels were offering discounts to evacuees, and has provided a list via its website.
Visit California added: "Multiple fires continue to burn in the Los Angeles County area and many residents have been evacuated from their homes. Red-flag warnings are in effect for portions of Los Angeles and Ventura counties."
The US Travel Association flagged disruption at Hollywood Burbank airport, while stressing operations at Los Angeles International remained "mostly unaffected".
"Tourist attractions such as Universal Studios and the Getty Museum are closed. Airlines, including American, Southwest, United and JetBlue, have issued travel waivers for the area."
The UK Foreign Office updated its US travel advice on Wednesday. "Fast-spreading wildfires are currently active within Los Angeles County," it said. "Monitor local media and follow the advice of the local authorities."
