Times reporter James Rainey ventured back to see if his childhood home in Malibu was still standing, while he reflected on 'Old World Malibu.'

In Altadena, the Eaton fire had killed at least five people and burned thousands of structures as of Friday afternoon. The image below shows homes and businesses on Lincoln Avenue before the fire, and after the flames had mostly moved through the area. The satellite image shows dozens of structures destroyed on Friday.

The Palisades and Eaton fires destroyed thousands of homes but left some still standing through a combination of fortunate timing, wind shifts and — according to experts, modern approaches to architecture and landscaping.

Coverage of the fires ravaging Altadena, Malibu, Pacific Palisades and Pasadena, including stories about the devastation, issues firefighters faced and the weather.

One victim was remembered as “a man with a quick wit, a brilliant mind and a love for his family.” Another victim was known to mentor young men, passing on “old-timey family values” he had learned as a boy. An Altadena resident who perished was a grandmother and former actor affectionately known as “Momma D.”

Those looking to assist residents affected by the Los Angeles County firestorm have a number of options to donate money, materials or their time.

Coverage of the fires ravaging Altadena, Malibu, Pacific Palisades and Pasadena, including stories about the devastation, issues firefighters faced and the weather.

The most serious red flag fire weather warning has been issued by the NWS for swaths of L.A. and Ventura counties starting before dawn Tuesday.

Paris Hilton, Mandy Moore, Jeff Bridges, Mel Gibson and Britney Spears are among the many L.A. County residents affected by the destruction of historic fires.

For years, renowned fire experts Jack Cohen and Stephen Pyne have tried to shift the conversation on fire prevention strategies. This week’s destruction, they say, could have been minimized.