LOS ANGELES — Firefighters finally started gaining control over two major wildfires on the eastern and western flanks of Los Angeles on Friday (Jan 10) as fierce winds that supercharged the fires for days finally eased.

Six simultaneous wildfires have devastated Los Angeles County neighborhoods since Tuesday, killed at least 11 people and damaged or destroyed 10,000 structures.

Those totals are expected to grow once it is safe enough for firefighters to conduct house-to-house searches.

With thousands of people suddenly homeless and the thickening smoke leading US officials to declare a public health emergency, firefighters reported progress arresting the Palisades Fire on the western edge of the city and the Eaton Fire in the foothills east of the sprawling metropolis.

After burning out of control for days, despite the efforts of hundreds of firefighters attacking the blazes from the air and on the ground, the Palisades Fire was eight per cent contained and the Eaton Fire three per cent.

Cal Fire had listed containment levels of both fires at zero per cent until Friday.

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