<h1>Santa Ana winds fuel Los Angeles wildfires; thousands evacuate, five dead, celebrity homes lost. Federal aid activated.</h1> Fierce wildfires, driven by strong Santa Ana winds, are devastating the Los Angeles area, prompting tens of thousands to evacuate. At least five fatalities have been reported, and numerous homes, including those of several celebrities, have been destroyed. Mandatory evacuations are in effect for areas such as Hollywood Hills, Santa Monica, and San Fernando Valley. Uber is providing free rides to evacuation centers, and a federal disaster declaration has been signed to facilitate aid. Firefighters from multiple states are assisting in combating the blazes, as residents and business owners begin applying for federal assistance.