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.

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.

Firefighters hoped for a break Friday from fierce winds fueling massive blazes in the Los Angeles area that have killed 10 people, obliterated whole neighborhoods and set

Firefighters are making progress slowing the major fires in the Los Angeles area that have killed five people, ravaged communities from the Pacific Coast to Pasadena and caused thousands of people to flee their homes.

Ferocious winds that drove the flames and led to chaotic evacuations have calmed somewhat and were not expected to be as powerful during the day. That could provide an opportunity for firefighters to make progress reining in blazes that have hopscotched across the sprawling region,