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.