The state Department of Forestry and Fire Protection said Friday morning that firefighters have brought the Palisades and Eaton fires under control in Southern California.
For now, the strong winds have calmed down, but the National Weather Service said dangerous conditions are expected to return again next week. The strongest winds are expected Tuesday night.
The Palisades fire, which has burned about 10,000 hectares, is now 31% contained, according to the forest department. That fire broke out more than a week ago on the west side of Los Angeles.
The second largest blaze, the Eaton fire, is now 65% contained, according to the Department of Forestry. More than 5,600 hectares of land has been burnt due to this.
Those two fires killed at least 27 people and destroyed more than 12,300 structures. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department said Thursday that 18 people were missing after the fire.
According to the forest department, a smaller third fire, known as Auto Fire, is 85% contained and has burnt 24 hectares of land.
With calm winds, some residents have been allowed to return to neighborhoods affected by the Eaton and Palisades fires.
About 82,000 people remained under mandatory evacuation orders and another 90,000 were warned to evacuate. A 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. curfew was still in effect in the Palisades and Eaton fire zones.
