‘Red flag’ fire warnings: “Red flag” fire danger warnings expired for much of the Los Angeles area Thursday as wind conditions eased, enabling firefighters to gain greater control of two of Southern California’s largest wildfires.

In its latest report, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection says the Palisades Fire, which broke out more than a week ago on the western edge of Los Angeles, is now 22% contained. The second largest fire in the area, the Eaton Fire, in the eastern foothills, is 45% contained.

The two fires, along with two smaller fires, have burned more than 16,454 hectares of land and destroyed more than 12,300 structures.

Firefighters took advantage of the lighter winds to gain ground on those fires and clear out wider containment lines around them. The weather is expected to cooperate in the short term, but the National Weather Service cautions higher winds could return next week.

More than 82,000 people were under evacuation orders, while 8,500 firefighters from the United States, Canada and Mexico were battling the two fires and several smaller ones in the region. Curfews were still in effect for the Palisades and Eaton fire zones from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m.

The fires have killed at least 25 people, according to authorities.

Meanwhile, The Los Angeles Times reported a man was arrested late Wednesday in connection with a fire that started in San Bernardino County, east of Los Angeles. Fire crews responded and were able to contain the fire but not before it burned nearly 4 hectares of land.

The wildfires ignited Jan. 7, fueled by strong Santa Ana winds in a region that has been largely without rain for eight months. Weather forecasts show little to no chance of rain in the next week. VOA/SP