Slower winds and cooler temperatures on Friday provided some reprieve for crews battling the Los Angeles-area wildfires as frustrations began to mount for thousands of evacuees who were told to stay away from their homes for at least another week.

Local officials told most evacuees they couldn't return home until hazardous materials and search and rescue teams sifted through the ash and rubble. Though dangerous fire weather conditions have eased, officials warned of other potential risks in impacted neighborhoods, including toxic waste and hazardous electricity and gas lines.

These areas are also at risk of landslides, according to Los Angeles County Public Works Director Mark Pestrella, who said hillsides in some damaged areas have become unstable. Officials and residents have expressed concerns over the environmental fallout of the fires due to the lingering toxic ash, debris, and other contaminants.

Firefighters made progress on the three active fires, which have burned nearly 40,000 acres, an area larger than the city of Miami. But the National Weather Service cautioned that the colder weather and light winds will be short-lived, as extreme fire weather was forecast to return early next week.

The Palisades Fire has burned 23,713 acres with 27% containment as of Friday morning, according to Cal Fire. The Eaton Fire was 55% contained and has scorched 14,117 acres. See full story...