An estimated 180,000 people have fled their homes this week as firefighters battle to control several deadly wildfires across the Los Angeles area.

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.

"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."

Just after noon Thursday, a flight came into O’Hare International Airport from Los Angeles International Airport. As Andrew Ramos reports, the passengers got an eagle’s-eye view of the devastation as the jet passed over the wildfires.

The fires have scorched more than 45 square miles of the Los Angeles area—leaving total devastation behind. Homes, businesses, and cars are all gone, reduced to charred husks and ashes. Among those who lost their homes is Riley Golz, originally from the Chicago area.

The devastation is personal for former Chicago mayor Lori Lightfoot. She told NBC Chicago her aunt and uncle, who are in their nineties live in Altadena. They made it out safely,

Riley Golz lived in Altadena, and was able to rescue her cat shortly before flames consumed her house. Tara Molina reports.

Some Chicagoans, including CBS News Chicago Investigator Dorothy Tucker's sons, are prepared for the worst as the fires rage.