What to know about the devastation from the Los Angeles-area fires

More than a week into what could be the costliest wildfires in U.S. history, weary and anxious Los Angeles-area residents are hoping for a favorable shift in the winds and an end to the constant fear that their lives might be further upended. The blazes that began Jan. 7 have destroyed thousands of homes and killed at least 25 people, with nearly 30 missing. The wildfires fueled by dry Santa Ana winds have forced many people from their homes, stretched firefighting efforts thin, knocked out power to tens of thousands and made some water unsafe to drink. Although the winds gained strength Wednesday, there is hope that a shift Friday could bring moister Pacific air.