A temporary lull in the powerful winds that have been driving deadly wildfires in and around Los Angeles has offered firefighters a crucial window to gain ground against the infernos, which have devastated multiple areas in the United States' second-largest city.

Authorities have confirmed that at least 11 lives have been lost, with over 10,000 structures reduced to ruins across the city.

According to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, commonly referred to as Cal Fire, five separate wildfires had scorched more than 14,000 hectares (35,000 acres) by Friday.

Officials report that the two largest fires — the Palisades Fire and the Eaton Fire — are already the most destructive in Los Angeles' recorded history.

“Every effort is being made to bring this crisis under control, and we are seeing some progress,” Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass stated at a press briefing.

“However, we anticipate a potential uptick in wind strength at the start of next week. Our top priority is to ensure Los Angeles is fully prepared, and to do all we can to protect lives,” she added.

As of Friday morning, the Palisades Fire located in the Pacific Palisades coastal neighborhood had reached 8% containment, while the Eaton Fire in Altadena was at just 3%, according to Cal Fire.

“The winds aren’t as strong right now, which might aid firefighters,” said Allison Santorelli, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service. She did caution, however, that fire hazards remain extreme due to low humidity and brittle vegetation.

This brief break in the wind could allow for critical advancements in the firefighting effort, as ground crews receive backup from aerial operations dropping water and fire retardant on the burning hills. “If there’s any silver lining, this is it,” Santorelli remarked.

Meanwhile, the rapidly spreading flames have forced thousands of residents across Los Angeles to abandon their homes.

“The sheer scale, unpredictability, and speed of these wildfires are something we’ve never seen before,” said U.S. President Joe Biden during a Friday address, ahead of a briefing with state and federal officials on the crisis.

In light of rising concerns over crime and looting, California Governor Gavin Newsom has deployed the National Guard to strengthen law enforcement presence. Additionally, Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna has implemented a nighttime curfew in select areas.

“The curfew will be strictly enforced to enhance public safety, protect property, and prevent looting in evacuated zones,” Luna stated.

To date, approximately 20 individuals have been arrested for looting, according to the Sheriff's Department.

Reporting from Pacific Palisades on Friday morning, Al Jazeera’s Rob Reynolds described the dire air quality in the region as fires continue to rage.

“Ash is falling around us like a light snowfall,” he said.

However, Reynolds also shared a note of encouragement: additional resources, including personnel and equipment, have bolstered the firefighting efforts amidst the improved weather conditions.

“Reinforcements are here. There’s a significantly larger number of firefighters actively battling the flames,” he noted.

As the destruction’s full extent becomes clearer, residents have been left to confront heartbreaking scenes of loss.

In Pacific Palisades, soot-covered chimneys stand over the ruins of burned-out vehicles and piles of debris.

“It’s indescribable,” said Kelly Foster, a 44-year-old psychiatrist, as she sifted through the ashy remains of her home. Smoke continued to swirl nearby, while water-dropping aircraft passed overhead. “I don’t have the words.”

Similarly, Hester Callul, who sought refuge in a shelter after fleeing her home in Altadena, also confirmed the loss of her house. “I lost everything,” she told AFP.