Many watched their homes burn on television in a state of shock. Since the flames erupted in and around Los Angeles, scores of residents have returned to their still smoldering neighborhoods even as the threat of new fires persisted and the nation’s second-largest city remained unsettled.

The biggest threat to Los Angeles remains the strong winds, which reduced in speed early Thursday morning, allowing firefighters to better take control of the fires. Stronger winds, however, returned later in the day.

Fire officials are investigating what started multiple wildfires near Los Angeles. The Santa Ana winds are likely driving their rapid growth.