Firefighters in Los Angeles raced to contain the relentless wildfires that have ravaged the region for six consecutive days, taking advantage of a temporary reprieve in weather conditions before high winds were forecasted to reignite the flames.

The fires have claimed at least 24 lives and destroyed thousands of homes, leaving behind a stark, apocalyptic landscape. California Governor Gavin Newsom described the disaster as potentially the most devastating in U.S. history, with damages and economic losses estimated between $135 billion and $150 billion by private forecaster AccuWeather.

As of Sunday, the fires had destroyed or damaged at least 12,300 structures and forced over 100,000 people to evacuate. While evacuation orders have been lifted for some, 87,000 residents remain on high alert for potential new orders due to toxic smoke and the encroaching flames.

The Palisades Fire, which has consumed 23,713 acres, is only 13% contained. Firefighters are working tirelessly to prevent it from spreading further into densely populated areas, including the upscale Brentwood neighborhood. Meanwhile, the Eaton Fire, east of the city, has scorched 14,117 acres and reached 27% containment. North of Los Angeles, the Hurst Fire is now 89% contained, with three other wildfires fully under control.

Aerial crews have been dropping water and retardants, while ground crews are using hand tools and hoses to manage the fires. Firefighters from seven states, Canada, and Mexico have joined local teams in their efforts.

The National Weather Service warned that Santa Ana winds, reaching speeds of up to 70 mph, are expected to return Sunday night and persist through Wednesday. These dry winds, combined with low humidity and parched vegetation, present a significant risk of further fire spread.

Fire Chief Anthony Marrone cautioned residents that conditions remain critical, and evacuated areas may not reopen until red flag warnings are lifted on Thursday.

Hundreds of displaced residents attended mass at St. Monica Catholic Church in Santa Monica on Sunday, seeking solace in the face of loss. Kathleen McRoskey, a longtime parishioner of the destroyed Corpus Christi Church, expressed gratitude for the spiritual and emotional support.

Governor Newsom signed an executive order to expedite rebuilding efforts by temporarily suspending certain environmental regulations for affected homes and businesses. Federal assistance is also underway, with FEMA urging residents to apply for disaster relief.

In Altadena, Tristin Perez defied evacuation orders to save his home and those of his neighbors as flames engulfed the area. His efforts spared three homes, though others nearby were reduced to ashes.

Zuzana Korda, evacuated from Topanga’s Fernwood neighborhood, shared her anxiety outside a temporary assistance center. With no insurance, she faces the possibility of losing everything.

As Los Angeles braces for the return of high winds, firefighters and residents alike are preparing for another battle against nature’s fury.