Experts say it is only a matter of time until major Australian cities experience “house-to-house ignition” on a similar scale to Los Angeles.

Australian citizen Rory Sykes was killed in Malibu as the wildfires raged, his mum announced on social media. Hundreds of people have gathered to pay tribute to young surfer Lance Appleby, who was taken by a great white shark just over a week ago on South Australia's west coast.

Officials released details about the recovery effort from the initial Los Angeles fires — an effort expected to last up to 18 months as authorities clear the wreckage.