Los Angeles wildfires destroy 10,000 homes

Two massive wildfires menacing Los Angeles from the east and west devoured nearly 10,000 homes and other structures, burning into a third night even as the fierce winds eased and gave firefighters a welcome but temporary respite.

The Palisades Fire between Santa Monica and Malibu on the city's western flank and the Eaton Fire in the east near Pasadena already rank as the most destructive in Los Angeles history, consuming 13,750 hectares turning entire neighborhoods to ash.

Several wildfires burned in Los Angeles County, and the skies buzzed with aircraft dropping retardant and water on the flaming hills.

While still strong, winds have diminished since the 160 kph gusts seen earlier in the week, permitting crucial aerial support for crews on the ground. But officials warned that the wind was forecast to intensify again overnight, and red flag conditions were expected.

Investigators are considering an array of possible ignition sources for the huge fires that have killed at least 10 people and destroyed thousands of homes and businesses in the Los Angeles area.

In hilly, upscale Pacific Palisades, home to Hollywood stars like Jamie Lee Curtis and Billy Crystal who lost houses in the fire, officials have placed the origin of the wind-whipped blaze behind a home on Piedra Morada Drive, which sits above a densely wooded arroyo.

While lightning is the most common source of fires in the U.S., according to the National Fire Protection Association, investigators were able to rule that out quickly. There were no reports of lightning in the Palisades area or the terrain around the Eaton fire, which started in east Los Angeles County and has also destroyed hundreds of homes.

So far there has been no official indication of arson in either blaze, and utility lines have not yet been identified as a cause either.