The story

Mandatory evacuations were lifted Wednesday for many parts of the Los Angeles area threatened by wildfires as diminishing winds made firefighters' jobs easier.

Evacuation orders for other areas are expected to be lifted later Wednesday.

Two major fires -- the Marek and Sesnon blazes -- have burned more than 18,000 acres in the hills and mountains north of Los Angeles. Read full article »

All About Wildfires • Los Angeles • Santa Ana