Los Angeles wildfires that killed 29 100% contained, officials say

The two Los Angeles wildfires that killed 29 people and scorched thousands of acres have been 100% contained at last after 24 days, local firefighters have said.

More than 18,000 structures were damaged or destroyed in the deadly Eaton and Palisades blazes, which swept across California last month.

The fires were declared fully contained by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection on Saturday.

Containment means the percentage of the fire’s perimeter that firefighters have under control, with confidence those lines can be maintained.

Parts of the interior of the blaze may still be alight.

Strong winds made the two fires, which began on 7 January and broke out on either side of Los Angeles, so deadly.

The Palisades fire erupted in Pacific Palisades, east of Malibu, as a brush fire. It quickly exploded in dry weather.

The Eaton Fire began in the foothills of Angeles National Forest, feasting on seven months of rain-free brush as strong winds helped spread it.

The containment is a largely symbolic milestone after one of the worst natural disasters in Los Angeles County history.

The remaining fires had been limited to isolated steep mountain terrain.

Long overdue rain reached Southern California in the past week, helping firefighters contain the fires.

However, it was partly a hindrance to emergency responders, causing mudslides and flash floods.

“Had this rain come two weeks ago, it might have been more helpful,” Margaret Stewart, a spokesperson for the Los Angeles Fire Department said.

On Friday, some of music’s biggest acts came together for FireAid to raise money for the relief efforts, with Green Day and Billie Eilish kicking off the benefit concert which saw a surprise Nirvana performance.

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Private forecasters projected damage and economic losses from the fire of more than $250bn (£201bn).

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