Los Angeles is bracing for the return of dangerous winds that threaten to hinder firefighting efforts battling two massive wildfires that have devastated neighbourhoods, destroyed thousands of buildings, and resulted in at least 24 fatalities, reports said.

The National Weather Service has forecast dry Santa Ana winds, with speeds reaching 80 to 112kph, to resume on Monday and continue through Wednesday. The agency has issued a “red flag warning,” signalling a particularly dangerous fire situation.

Fire crews managed to contain the flames overnight but are preparing for the challenging conditions ahead. Los Angeles City Fire Chief Kristin Crowley emphasized the need for vigilance, stating, “We are not in the clear…we must not let our guard down.”

To bolster firefighting efforts, the state has positioned crews in vulnerable areas, particularly around the Palisades and Eaton fires, the two largest blazes impacting the region. Over 8,500 firefighters are actively engaged in combating these fires.

Despite being better prepared for the extreme winds, Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone acknowledged the unpredictability of fire containment, especially with estimates of winds reaching 70 mph.

The fires have led to the evacuation of over 150,000 residents, with more than 92,000 still under mandatory evacuation orders. With ongoing search efforts, authorities are uncovering human remains daily, with expectations of the death toll rising.

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California Governor Gavin Newsom has described the firestorm as potentially one of the most devastating natural disasters in US history, with damage estimates reaching between $135 billion and $150 billion.

As high winds return, officials have urged the nearly 10 million residents of Los Angeles County to be prepared for possible evacuations.