Washington, 17 January 2025 (dpa/MIA) - Some residents from fire affected areas of Los Angeles started to return home on Thursday, as the death toll from the devastating blazes rose to 27.

Dangerous strong Santa Ana winds have finally died down across the Greater Los Angeles area, allowing progress in the fight against the fires to continue.

The Eaton Fire near Pasadena, which claimed 17 of the 27 fatalities confirmed by local authorities so far, was 55% contained as of Thursday afternoon.

The Palisades fire, which burned across a wide area on the western edge of Los Angeles, was 27% contained.

The two fires combined have so far burned through more than 15,600 hectares and accounted for all the confirmed deaths.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department said that some residents would be allowed to return to some areas affected by the Palisades Fire as of Thursday afternoon.

However, it will take at least another week before evacuation orders for larger evacuation zones affected by the Eaton and Palisades fires can be lifted, said County Sheriff Robert Luna in a news conference.

"Our search and rescue efforts continue," Luna said. "There are areas we are holding because we believe there may be deceased victims there."

"Please be patient with us," Luna said.

According to initial estimates, more than 12,000 buildings have been destroyed or damaged in the area.

Photo: dpa