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Another day of fierce winds gusting to 65 mph in mountainous areas of Los Angeles and Ventura Counties in Southern California was expected on Wednesday, but weather more conducive to firefighting operations is expected soon.

 another red flag warning for the area until 3 p.m. PST, cautioning of more of the windy and dry conditions that have fed raging fires for more than a week. The strong Santa Ana winds have helped push the deadly blazes through the Los Angeles suburbs, killing at least 25 people and leveling expensive real estate in Pacific Palisades and Altadena. 

All told, the fires have engulfed more than 40,000 acres (more than 62 square miles), according to Cal Fire.

"The good news is that for the last two days we've had no increase in acreage at the Eaton Fire and it remains estimated at 14,117 acres with 35 percent containment," Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone said of one of the largest fires.

The Palisades fire, which spans more than 23,000 acres, is just 19 percent contained, according to Cal Fire.

On Tuesday, meteorologists initially called for particularly strong winds that turned out to be lighter that expected, according to NPR member station 

But a reprieve in the high winds was expected from Thursday into Saturday. NWS meteorologist Ryan Kittell noted that the service is worried about "one last [wind] enhancement" through Wednesday and that peak winds would be highest in Ventura County.

Speaking at a news conference on Wednesday, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass had difficulty describing the devastation that has befallen her city. 

"The massive, massive destruction. Is unimaginable until you actually see it," Bass said. Even so, she said, it was time "to begin to think about how we rebuild."

Since the fires broke out last week, responders from across the U.S., Canada and Mexico have come to the aid of Southern California. "Yesterday, I also had the opportunity to meet with our international partners from Mexico to express our heartfelt gratitude for their assistance. The outpouring of support from both near and far, I tell you, is absolutely remarkable," LA Fire Chief Kristin Crowley said.

Officials said of the 13 still listed as missing, two bodies had been recovered but not yet positively identified.

 in Los Angeles and Ventura counties, according to PowerOutage.us.

With fire danger still high, authorities implore you to follow evacuation orders

What to do — and not do — when you get home after a fire evacuation

 Is smoke in your home? Here's how to make an air purifier from a box fan

Trying to stay safe in a wildfire? There's an app that can help

Ways to support the response and recovery:

Want to help fire victims? Here's what experts say does the most good and places seeking volunteers

Wildfire donations and volunteering: How and where to help

Share: These are the steps fire victims need to take to make an insurance claim

The California Newsroom is following the extreme weather from across the region. Click through to 

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Scott Neuman

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It was another day of fierce winds gusting to 65 mph in mountainous areas of Los Angeles and Ventura counties, but weather more conducive to firefighting operations is expected soon.

LA fires are still raging, but forecasters expect calmer winds in the coming days

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