Firefighters battling two fires that have wreaked destruction across Los Angeles for nine days could get some respite on Thursday from the weather. The hurricane-strength winds that initially fanned the flames and hampered rescue efforts have weakened into much lighter gusts.

Officials are bracing for the return of fierce Santa Ana winds as they try to contain several large blazes across the Los Angeles area.

Resurgent Santa Ana winds, coupled with low humidity and tinder-dry brush, could cause dangerous fire growth. Follow live updates on containment and fire news.

At least 25 people have been killed in the Los Angeles fires as of Wednesday, and public officials warn the number is expected to rise. It’s been eight days since the largest blaze, the Palisades Fire,

Weary and anxious from a week of massive blazes burning around Los Angeles, Southern California residents faced dire new wildfire warnings Tuesday while preparing to flee at a moment's notice as fire-fueling winds blasted the area again.