Dangerous and strong winds threaten to spread LA inferno

A brief lull in the wind gave way to gusts that forecasters warned could reach up to 80 kms per hour early on Sunday, and feed the blazes for days to come

- Agence France-Presse

LOS ANGELES: US officials warned "dangerous and strong" winds were set to push deadly wildfires further through Los Angeles residential areas Sunday as firefighters struggled to make progress against the flames.

At least 16 people have been confirmed dead from blazes that have ripped through the city, reducing whole neighborhoods to ashes and leaving thousands without homes.

Despite massive efforts, including precision sorties from aerial crews, the Palisades Fire continued to grow, spreading east towards the priceless collections of the Getty Center art museum and north to the densely populated San Fernando Valley.

"The winds are potentially getting dangerous and strong again," Deanne Criswell, head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), told CNN.

"The biggest thing that people need to know is that this is still dangerous."