Fires devastating Los Angeles grow more slowly as fierce winds die down

LOS ANGELES (AP) -- The two biggest fires devastating the Los Angeles area grew just slightly as firefighters began to gain some control of the blazes that have killed at least 10 people, obliterated neighborhoods and left the nation's second-largest city on edge. Officials expressed optimism that an easing of the punishing winds that had been stoking the flames will allow firefighters on Friday to make headway on the fires that have burned an area bigger than San Francisco and destroyed more than 10,000 homes and other structures since Tuesday. No cause has been identified for the largest fires. Dozens of blocks of scenic Pacific Palisades were flattened to smoldering rubble. In neighboring Malibu, where oceanfront homes once stood, all that was left above debris were blackened palm strands.