The resurgence of powerful winds across Southern California threatened to slow the containment of historically destructive wildfires that have so far left 24 people dead and thousands of homes destroyed.

At least 24 people are believed to be dead and many more injured as several fires broke out across Southern California amid historically dry and windy conditions.

The death toll from massive wildfires that have ravaged Los Angeles rose to 24 on Sunday, with officials warning of incoming dangerous winds that could whip the blazes up further.Winds up to 70 miles (110 kilometers) per hour mean a "particularly dangerous situation (PDS)" will be declared from early Tuesday,