A note to our readers: The Times has lifted its paywall on stories about the Southern California fires

Multiple fires continued to cause havoc in Southern California on Wednesday. A series of Santa Ana wind-driven wildfires have destroyed hundreds of structures, forced thousands to flee and smothered the region with smoke.

The Los Angeles Times has lifted its online paywall for stories about the fires to provide the broadest possible access to information.

Here is the Times’ developing coverage from today:

Live updates: Winds push flames toward Ojai, Santa Barbara coastal communities>>

Full coverage of the Ventura wildfire>>

The story behind the photos: How a group of friends saved a stranger’s house in Ventura»

Here’s a map showing all the major fires in Southern California»

Before and after images of the fires>>