WASHINGTON: The death toll from the wildfires raging in Los Angeles, California, has risen to 24, while 16 others are still missing.
Firefighters are still working to limit the spread of the fires, while meteorologists have warned of continued unsuitable weather conditions.
The US National Weather Service (NWS) issued warnings of strong winds of 50 mph (80 kph) with gusts up to 70 mph (113 kph) in mountainous areas.
In turn, Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Deanne Criswell warned that the fire situation in Los Angeles is "still in such a dangerous situation," with the return of wind activity.
Aircraft dropped water and fire-fighting materials, while firefighters on the ground used hand tools and hoses to contain the Pacific Palisades Fire, which began to creep into the Brentwood neighborhood and other populated areas.
Firefighters were able to increase the fire containment rate to 27%, up from 15% the previous day.