Firefighters are getting a much needed break today as Santa Ana winds developed later and weaker than originally expected, but forecasters warn strong gusts are still possible into Wednesday. The National Weather Service had originally issued a “Particularly Dangerous Situation” red flag warning that was expected to take effect at 4 a.

Firefighters on Tuesday held the line against two massive wildfires that have ravaged parts of Los Angeles for the past week, even as desert winds and a parched landscape presented extremely hazardous conditions.

One week after the fire emergency began in Southern California, the region remained on edge as it braced for more high Santa Ana winds. At least 24 people have been killed, while 37 were unaccounted for.

A beefed-up firefighting force was staged around Los Angeles to attack flare-ups or new blazes and anxious residents prepared for more fire danger as winds began to build Tuesday, a week after two

People in Southern California are on high alert for dangerous Santa Ana winds for a few more hours after calmer conditions prevailed Wednesday morning. At least 25 people have died in the fires and dozens are still missing.