Los Angeles wildfire deaths rise to 24 as further fierce winds forecast

At least 16 people were missing, a number authorities said was also likely to rise

The aftermath of the Palisades Fire along the Pacific Coast Highway (Scott Strazzante/San Francisco Chronicle via AP)

After making some progress battling wildfires that destroyed thousands of homes and killed at least 24 people in the Los Angeles area, firefighters prepared for a return of dangerous winds that could again stoke the flames.

The relative calm on Sunday allowed some people to return to previously evacuated areas.