LA wildfires claim 25 lives, burn 40K acres, blazes continue to burn as strong winds return

The Los Angeles wildfires have left thousands homeless, burned businesses, and destroyed entire neighborhoods … and they’re not quite contained yet.

According to the latest updates … the highest red flag level of high winds and fire conditions, which was labeled as “particularly dangerous situation”, was declared by National Weather Service Wednesday

The Palisades Fire, which has destroyed large swaths of the popular coastal community, currently stands at 18% containment — after burning nearly 24,000 acres.

The Eaton fire, which has devastated the Altadena and Pasadena neighborhoods, has made further progress … as the fire is now 45% contained.

The impact is still enormous, however … burning more than 14,000 acres — destroying places of worship, senior living homes, and other community buildings.

In total, more than 40,000 acres have burned across the region, at least 25 people have died, and more than 12,000 structures have been destroyed … and sadly, the numbers may still rise.

While the LAFD and others are working around the clock to battle the stubborn inferno, the city remains on alert … as Santa Ana winds are set to peak again Wednesday, bringing hurricane-force gusts. are

Residents of Los Angeles are rallying around the victims, though … joining A-list Angelenos for a planned benefit concert, called FireAid.

As we reported … the benefit show will go down at the end of January at the Intuit Dome and the Kia Forum.

We’ve had over 50 artists and bands asked to participate… but only 24 slots available at the moment. Organizers are looking to add slots to the concert, though … so, expect the biggest and brightest names to be in attendance when it goes down.

Celebs are also shelling out serious dough to help wildfire victims, along with the likes Barbara Corcoran, Arnold Schwarzenegger, marshmallowAnd Sofia Vergara All are donating to various GoFundMe fundraisers … helping the site bring in $100 million in relief money already.

Paris Hilton has also been give back In the wake of losing my home, like so many others… attending donation centers in LA and doing my part.