In southern California, the Woolsey Fire has burned more than 91,000 acres (36,826 hectares) and was 20 percent contained, with 370 structures destroyed, officials said on Monday, November 12.
The fire had forced authorities to issue evacuation orders for a quarter million people in Ventura and Los Angeles counties and beachside communities including the Malibu beach colony, home to many celebrities.
At least two people have died in the Woolsey Fire, which is 20 miles (32 km) long and 14 miles (22 km) wide, threatening 57,000 structures, officials said.
"These are extreme conditions. If there's a fire in your neighborhood, don't wait for an evacuation order, leave," Los Angeles County Fire Department Chief Daryl Osby told a news conference.
Many of those allowed to return were left without power or cellphone service, even if their homes were spared by the flames.
The raging blaze in northern California known as the Camp Fire, the state's most destructive on record, had left at least 228 people missing as of early Monday, according to Kory Honea, sheriff of Butte County, site of the fire. That fire and one in southern California called the Woolsey Fire have killed at least 31 people.