The threat of powerful wind gusts combined with bone-dry humidity in Los Angeles on Wednesday could pose a severe test for firefighters who have been battling to keep monstrous fires in check since last week.

After a weekend of reprieve allowing fire teams to continue making progress battling the deadly infernos burning in Los Angeles County, Southern California now faces another round of fire-fueling Santa Ana Winds Monday.

By Chad Terhune and Rollo Ross LOS ANGELES (Reuters) -Los Angeles officials told most evacuees from the wildfires on Thursday to stay away from their homes at least another week as emergency responders remove toxic waste from incinerated neighborhoods and cut off electricity and gas lines posing a hazard amid the ruins.

Winds have died down in recent days, but another Santa Ana wind event is expected early next week. There are still air quality concerns, particularly closer to the burn areas. LOS ANGELES - Calmer winds over the last few days have allowed firefighters to drastically increase the containment of two major wildfires burning in Los Angeles County.

Southern Californians are bracing for gusty winds and a heightened risk of wildfires, as another Santa Ana wind event is expected to bring back fire danger to the region.The National Weather Service has issued a warning of a "particularly dangerous situation" for parts of Los Angeles and Ventura counties from Monday afternoon through Tuesday morning due to low humidity and damaging Santa Ana winds.