Windy, flame-fanning weather in Southern California has eased up as firefighters report significant gains against the two massive wildfires burning around Los Angeles.

More than a week into what could be the costliest wildfires in U.S. history, weary and anxious Los Angeles-area residents are hoping for a favorable shift in the winds and an end to the constant fear that their lives might be further upended.

Miami-Dade police and county officials gathered at Dadeland Mall Thursday informing shoppers about their yearly holiday crime initiative.