Washington | The massive wildfires that tore through large parts of Los Angeles devoured nearly 10,000 homes and other structures, and continued burning into a third night on Thursday (Friday AEDT), even as the fierce winds eased and gave firefighters a welcome but temporary respite.

The Palisades Fire between Santa Monica and Malibu on the city’s western flank and the Eaton Fire in the east near Pasadena already rank as the most destructive in Los Angeles’ history, consuming 13,750 hectares – or some 140 square kilometres – and turning entire neighbourhoods to ash.