Firefighters struggle to contain the blazes that have displaced tens of thousands of residents in America’s most populated county and destroyed thousands of homes, business and other buildings.

Out-of-control wildfires are ripping across parts of Los Angeles, leading to at least five deaths, burning down hundreds of buildings, and prompting more than 130,000 people to flee their homes in America's second-largest city.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass refused to answer Sky News reporter David Blevins' questions about her initial absence as wildfires raged across her jurisdiction. (Sky News)

Bass stayed mum while a reporter grilled her, asking, "Do you owe citizens an apology for being absent while their homes were burning?"

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass skirted a question by a reporter who asked if she believes she is displaying effective leadership amid the Los Angeles wildfires, which have so far killed five people. “I just said what I believe is the most important thing for us right now,

Los Angeles officials delivered an update on the efforts to combat wildfires across the city on Thursday, saying more evacuations are expected.

Mayor Karen Bass answers questions from reporters on the wildfires spreading across Southern California. Michelle Obama, Dick Cheney among notable absences at Carter funeral 13 Treasured Antiques Everyone Regrets Selling Too Soon Where are evacuation orders in place for the California wildfires?

Bass stared blankly at a reporter after being pressed about her response to the most destructive wildfire in Los Angeles history.