Fires Largely Under Control, SoCal Moves On, Cautiously

Firefighters have contained most of Southern California's ferocious wildfires, and shelters emptied rapidly as evacuation orders were lifted and residents began pondering the next step. The fires had destroyed 2,813 structures and more than a half-million acres as of last night, reports the LA Times, and will go down as among the most destructive in California history.

Officials continue to urge caution: "We're looking for full control within a week, but if we get any of these winds returning a couple of spots could have a blowout," one firefighter told the AP. "We are in the recovery stage," said one woman who lost her house. "I see people moving forward." (More California fires stories.)