Firefighters in Los Angeles are racing to contain wildfires that have caused widespread destruction and claimed at least five lives. The blazes have forced the evacuation of almost 180,000 people and have destroyed entire neighborhoods and landmarks. The Santa Ana winds, which have been spreading the flames, are expected to intensify in the coming days. Meanwhile, Lebanon has elected Gen. Joseph Aoun as its new president after two years of gridlock. Aoun, who is considered to have U.S. backing, won by an overwhelming majority in the second round of voting. The country's international backers have hinted that financial support after the war was contingent on a successful presidential election.