Winds calmed Friday around Los Angeles, providing a fleeting window of opportunity for firefighters battling five major blazes, as official recriminations began over responsibility for the disaster.- 'Need answers' - Authorities have said it was too early to know the cause of the blazes,

A pause in the fierce winds that super-charged the ring of wildfires that devastated Los Angeles this week helped crews make some progress in controlling the infernos on Friday, but strong gusts returning next week could resuscitate the flames.

Officials warned that winds would strengthen overnight, creating conditions for the Palisades blaze to grow and for others to start.

Los Angeles saw a frightening natural weather event — and its star-studded community has been heavily impacted. An extreme wind storm, caused by Santa Ana gusts, sparked fast-burning brush fires at around 10 a.

Firefighters finally started gaining control over two major wildfires on the eastern and western flanks of Los Angeles on Friday as fierce winds that supercharged the fires for days finally eased.

Winds were expected to drop Friday around Los Angeles, bolstering a huge firefighting effort at the five major blazes wreaking havoc around America's second biggest city.

Two massive wildfires menacing Los Angeles from the east and west were still burning uncontained on Thursday, but a brief respite from the fierce winds that have fanned the flames for two days allowed crews to slow their explosive spread.

In a post on X, Erik Scott, a fire captain for the Los Angeles Fire Department, said the plane was damaged and is now “out of service.” Air quality in downtown Los Angeles is listed as unhealthy for sensitive groups,

By Jorge Garcia and Rollo Ross LOS ANGELES (Reuters) -Two massive wildfires menacing Los Angeles from the east and west devoured nearly 10,000 homes and other structures, burning into a third night on Thursday even as the fierce winds eased and gave firefighters a welcome but temporary respite.

Firefighters battled early Thursday to control a series of major fires in the Los Angeles area that have killed five people, ravaged communities from the Pacific Coast to Pasadena and sent thousands of people frantically fleeing their homes.

Aerial footage shows the devastating aftermath of wildfires that have swept through the Los Angeles area. The footage, captured by helicopter, highlights scorched landscapes and charred structures along LA’s famed Pacific Coast Highway.