It would take four days before firefighters could establish even a short line of containment around it. And yet, well before the Palisades Fire ignited Tuesday morning, preparations had begun for aggressive firefighting.

Dangerous conditions are expected to persist through Friday before a slight lull in flame-fanning winds potentially gives crews a foothold against infernos that have killed at least 10 people.

Firefighters finally started gaining control over two major wildfires on the eastern and western flanks of Los Angeles on Friday as fierce winds that supercharged the fires for days finally eased.