Dangerous conditions are expected to persist through Friday before a slight lull in flame-fanning winds potentially gives crews a foothold against infernos that have killed at least 10 people.

Fierce winds fueled new fires and made it harder to contain the largest blazes, which have destroyed whole neighborhoods and have become some of the most devastating in California’s history.

Wildfires menacing Los Angeles have killed at least 10 people and devoured nearly 10,000 structures, with five fires burning into a third night, as dry desert winds fanning the flames again gathered strength.