Many watched their homes burn on television, shocked. Flames erupted around Los Angeles. Residents returned to smoldering neighborhoods. New fires threatened. The city remained unsettled. Some saw the staggering reality of loss. The region, with 13 million people, faced a challenge: overcoming disaster and rebuilding.

Calmer winds helped firefighters gain control of the biggest blazes in LA. Gusty weather was expected over the weekend. The area hadn't seen rain in over eight months. By Friday evening, new evacuations were ordered. The Palisades Fire spread, nearing Interstate 405 and The Getty museum.

Bridget Berg saw her house in flames on TV. She returned with her family to make it real. Their feet crunched on broken bits of their home. Her kids sifted through debris, finding keepsakes. Her husband found a piece of petrified wood. Berg reassured herself, "It's OK." She remembered the deck and pool. "Everybody lost their house."

Fires burned over 12,000 structures. No cause identified for the largest fires. Allegations of leadership failures arose. Gov. Gavin Newsom ordered investigations. A reservoir was out of service. Hydrants ran dry. LA Fire Chief criticized the lack of water. "We expect water," she said.

At least 11 people died. Five from the Palisades Fire, six from the Eaton Fire. Officials expected the number to rise. Cadaver dogs assessed leveled neighborhoods. Officials set up a center for missing reports. Tens of thousands remained evacuated. Fires consumed about 56 square miles.

The disaster affected everyone. The government hasn't released damage costs. Private firms estimated tens of billions. Disney donated $15 million to help rebuild. Flames hit schools, churches, and landmarks. Neighbors described vanished homes. Gorgeous views contrasted with soot and ash.

In Pacific Palisades, Greg Benton searched for a wedding ring. "We just had Christmas here," he said. "Family heirlooms hurt the most." Elsewhere, people picked through donated items. Firefighters made progress on the Eaton Fire. Most evacuation orders were lifted.

LA Mayor Karen Bass faced a leadership test. Crews gained ground on the Palisades Fire. California National Guard troops protected property. Curfews prevented looting. The devastation was jarring, even for California.

Anna Yeager agonized over returning to Altadena. A neighbor said their house was gone. She regretted not grabbing keepsakes. Returning, she saw "chimney after chimney." Fires still burned. Charred grapefruits littered the yard. Yeager's neighborhood planned a 100th anniversary.

"You build a world for your family," she said. "It's devastating." The front porch remained. It gave her hope. "It's a sign to rebuild," she said. "You can still do this."