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.

Ferocious winds that drove the flames and led to chaotic evacuations have calmed somewhat and are not expected to be as powerful during the day, possibly allowing firefighters to make progress reining in blazes that have hopscotched across the sprawling region,

Fires continue to rage across the Los Angeles area, prompting power outages, evacuation orders and curfews. The Palisades, Eaton, Hurst and Sunset fires have collectively consumed around 45 square miles.