An estimated 180,000 people have fled their homes this week as firefighters battle to control several deadly wildfires across the Los Angeles area.

"For those of us who are not physically there, we’re still trying to wrap our minds around that this really happened," Lightfoot told the Sun-Times Thursday. "It’s just so incredibly surreal."

Many said they were relieved to get out in time, but they are still very much concerned with what will be left when they return.

The devastation is personal for former Chicago mayor Lori Lightfoot. She told NBC Chicago her aunt and uncle, who are in their nineties live in Altadena. They made it out safely,

Former Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot took to social media Thursday, revealing that her aunt and uncle had ‘lost literally everything’ in Altadena, California, a community near fire-ravaged Pasadena. Lightfoot said the pair had lived in Altadena for more than 60 years.

The fires have scorched more than 45 square miles of the Los Angeles area—leaving total devastation behind. Homes, businesses, and cars are all gone, reduced to charred husks and ashes. Among those who lost their homes is Riley Golz, originally from the Chicago area.