A military helicopter surveyed the apocalyptic damage from the Palisades Fire in California.

The California Army National Guard (CalGuard) UH-60 Black Hawk flew over the ruins of the affluent neighbourhood razed by the raging wildfires, on January 15. Many of the homes were gutted with only a few left standing.

The CalGuard said more than 2,500 were deployed to aid firefighting efforts across Los Angeles County.

Authorities said the fires have killed at least 27 people and ravaged more than 60 square miles as thousands of residents were still under evacuation orders.

Strong winds that were fanning the flames have weakened, but the National Weather Service said 'dangerous conditions' will return next week.