The wildfires ripping through Los Angeles areas have killed at least 10 people, devoured over 10,000 structures and triggered evacuation orders affecting 180,000 people. Here's a look at some of the landmarks before and after the wildfires.

The Eaton Fire burns vehicles and structures Wednesday in Altadena, Calif. The Palisades Fire burns a Christmas tree inside a residence in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles. A resident of a senior center is evacuated as the Eaton Fire approaches Tuesday in Altadena, Calif.

National Geographic's staff photographer—who has decades of experience covering wildfires—weighs in on why the latest fires are so devastating.