Nominally different fires unleashed their furies across Los Angeles County last week, but combined they were among the most destructive blazes in state history and perhaps the most expensive ever in the United States.

As Southern Californians, we witnessed the terror, sought to comfort friends — and strangers — in need and constantly gauged how far we were from danger. And we learned that the fires did not discriminate, claiming at least 13 lives and thousands of homes on the coast and far from it.

Our coverage has been nonstop since the fires started, and this section that wraps our regular edition is hardly an end point. It is, however, a chance to take stock of where we are as a region after a nightmarish six days.

INSIDE THE SECTION

Economic impact

Economists expect there will be winners and losers in the aftermath of the fires, from insurance losses and residents who opt not to return to the eventual rebuilding effort, which will create ample business opportunities as communities recover. Z2

Wildlife in danger

The L.A. County fires are burning out habitats for wildlife, including cougars and birds. Viral images of mountain lions fleeing the Palisades fire and a deer wandering from the fire in Altadena underscore the sweeping devastation. Z2

Facing a new reality

Many in Los Angeles County were forced to flee last week, but the rest of us have been on alert and realize that could be how we have to live, when wildfires can hit anywhere. Z3