Firefighters battling two wildfires that have ravaged Los Angeles for nine days got a break on Thursday because of the weather.
Strong winds near the typhoon that initially fanned the flames and hampered rescue efforts have weakened to lighter storms.
Progress has been made in containing two large fires burning across a combined total of approximately 40,000 hectares.
At least 27 people died and more than 12,000 buildings were destroyed in one of the worst fires in recorded history to ravage America’s second largest city.
The two largest fires, Eaton and Palisades, are still burning more than a week later – and firefighting assistance has been sought from Mexico and Canada.
“Please be assured that our firefighters continue to work 24/7 to fully contain these wildfires as quickly as possible,” Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone said during a press conference Thursday morning.
Officials said there had been little growth in the fire in the past 24 hours, but stressed that unburnt, dry fuel combined with low humidity could pose a threat despite winds easing.
Mr. Marrone said that while first responders are making progress in putting out the flames, evacuated residents will not be able to return to their homes for at least a week, even in areas considered safe.
About 82,400 Californians are under evacuation orders, according to Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna.
Mr. Luna said that 47 people have been arrested in connection with the robbery and the order to leave the area and violation of the curfew.
Later Thursday afternoon evacuation orders for other communities affected by the Palisades fire and the Eaton fire were lifted – a week after they were first ordered.
The authorities said that the residents must show proof of where they live with a government-issued identity card to be allowed to enter the affected areas. They also recommend that residents wear protective clothing, including gloves and a mask, and avoid contact with potentially toxic ash.
“Returning after a fire can be difficult,” the Altadena Sheriff’s Station said in a recent Facebook post that offered evacuation advice.
“Take a break, reach out to loved ones, and consider talking to a counselor or support group if needed.”
Red flag warnings have been lifted by the National Weather Service (NWS), but could return in a few days.
Fire warnings remain in place, as parts of southern California continue to see high risk despite weaker winds and rising humidity, BBC forecaster Paul Goddard said.
There is no rain forecast for California next week.
Officials are keeping a close eye on the Santa Ana winds, which are suspected to have started the fire. Winds are forecast to return early next week, bringing with it a high risk of further red flag warnings.
Winds could bring gusts of 30-50mph (48-80km/h).
The Palisades Fire, the largest, has seen no growth as firefighters work to contain the flames, according to Jim Hudson, Cal Fire incident manager.
It has burned 24,000 acres so far and is more than 20% contained as of Thursday morning.
“I hope that as the winds subside, we can see the light at the end of the tunnel and people can get their lives back on track to recover and rebuild,” Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said Thursday.
But there are still plenty of dangers in the area, as firefighters make progress.
Mr Hudson added that 5,100 workers were assigned to contain the fire.
Two more deaths from the fire were confirmed to the BBC by LA officials on Thursday. There are at least 31 missing person reports in Los Angeles County as of Thursday.
Most of the victims died in the Eaton Fire, which burned more than 14,000 acres north of the city. Firefighters have contained 55% of the fire.
Some of the victims of the Eaton fire have now been allowed to return to their homes, but tens of thousands of people are still under evacuation orders – with nightly curfews in effect.
Thousands of homes were destroyed in one of the costliest natural disasters in American history.
Extreme weather research from climate scientists at ‘The Climatemeter‘ concluded that California’s wildfires have been fueled by weather conditions exacerbated by human-caused climate change.
The study found that current conditions were warmer, drier and wetter than in the past, in areas affected by the fires.
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