A short reprieve in the strong destructive winds has granted firefighters an opportunity to curb the spread of the deadly Eaton Fire near Pasadena.

Ferocious winds that drove the flames and led to chaotic evacuations have calmed somewhat and are not expected to be as powerful during the day, possibly allowing firefighters to make progress reining in blazes that have hopscotched across the sprawling region,

At least 10 people have been killed as a result of the wildfires, the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner said on Thursday.

Fires continue to rage across the Los Angeles area, prompting power outages, evacuation orders and curfews. The Palisades, Eaton, Hurst and Sunset fires have collectively consumed around 45 square miles.

Out-of-control wildfires are ripping across parts of Los Angeles, leading to at least five deaths, burning down hundreds of buildings, and prompting more than 130,000 people to flee their homes in America's second-largest city.

Wildfires menacing Los Angeles have killed at least 10 people and devoured nearly 10,000 structures, with five fires burning into a third night, as dry desert winds fanning the flames again gathered strength.

Meanwhile, firefighters battled multiple wildfires Thursday that ravaged communities across Los Angeles, destroying more than 10,000 structures.

Two massive wildfires menacing Los Angeles from the east and west were still burning uncontained on Thursday, but a brief respite from the fierce winds that have fanned the flames for two days allowed crews to slow their explosive spread.