Death toll from LA fires rises to 24 as officials warn of dangerous winds

Dozens of new water trucks and more firefighters ready to fight renewed threat

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Firefighters were battling massive wildfires on Jan. 13 that have ravaged Los Angeles and killed at least 24 people, with officials warning of incoming dangerous winds that could whip up the blazes further.

The fires ripped through the United States' second-largest city for the seventh day, reducing whole communities to scorched rubble and leaving thousands without homes.

Massive firefighting efforts have staunched the spread of the Palisades fire, which was looming towards upscale Brentwood and the densely populated San Fernando Valley.

But conditions are set to dramatically worsen, with "extreme fire behaviour and life-threatening conditions" over the coming days.

Winds of up to 110kmh mean a "particularly dangerous situation" will be declared from early on Jan. 14, said National Weather Service meteorologist Rose Schoenfeld.

Those gusts could fan flames and whip up embers from existing burn zones into new areas, firefighters warned.

Los Angeles County Fire Department chief Anthony Marrone said his department had received resources, including dozens of new water trucks and firefighters from far afield, and was primed to face the renewed threat.

Asked whether hydrants could run dry again, as they did during the initial outbreak of fires last week, Mayor Karen Bass replied: "I believe the city is prepared."

There was frustration for evacuees, who were told they would not be returning home until at least Jan. 16, when winds subside.