At least 25 people have died as multiple wildfires, fueled by severe drought conditions and strong winds, rage across the Los Angeles area.Thousands of firefighters are battling wildfires across 45 square miles of densely populated Los Angeles County.

Gusts on Tuesday were weaker than expected, but more strong winds in the forecast could stoke blazes. More than a week into the fires, officials are trying to prevent speculation and evictions in ravaged neighborhoods.

At least 25 people are believed to be dead and more than a dozen others remain unaccounted for as multiple wildfires rage across Southern California.

Fanned by strong winds, the wildfires have killed at least 24 people and swept through 40,000 acres in the Greater Los Angeles area.