LOS ANGELES — A growing force of firefighters battled massive infernos across the Los Angeles area on Monday as more powerful winds moved in and threatened recent progress against wildfires that have destroyed thousands of homes and killed at least 24 people.

Planes doused homes and hillsides with bright pink fire-proof chemicals, crews prepared to pounce on hot spots across the region and dozens of water trucks rolled in to replenish supplies after hydrants ran dry last week.

The National Weather Service warned of “particularly dangerous” dry and blustery weather approaching — especially on Tuesday, when wind gusts could reach 65 mph, experts say.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and other officials have faced criticism over their initial response to fires that began last week. But they expressed confidence Monday that the additional firefighters brought in from around the country, as well as from Canada and Mexico, would help them turn the tide.

“We’re absolutely better prepared,” Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone said Monday when asked what will be different from a week ago, when hurricane-force winds propelled multiple fires across the parched, brush-filled region that hasn’t seen rain in more than eight months.

But Marrone warned that the strong winds could prevent airplanes from fighting the blazes from above, just as they did last week. If winds reach 70 mph, “it’s going to be very difficult to contain that fire,” he said.

He urged residents to have their pets, documents and other important items ready in case of evacuations. Other fire officials advised residents in high-risk areas to just leave home — and not wait for formal evacuation orders — if they sense danger.

In less than a week, four fires around the nation’s second-biggest city have scorched more than 62 square miles, roughly three times the size of Manhattan in New York City.

A large part of Southern California around Los Angeles is under this extreme fire danger warning through Wednesday, including densely populated Thousand Oaks, Northridge and Simi Valley.

Firefighters made progress over the weekend on the region’s two biggest fires — the Eaton Fire, near Pasadena, and the Palisades Fire, in a wealthy enclave along the Pacific Coast. The Eaton Fire is roughly one-third contained, while the Palisades Fire is far less contained.

The death toll is likely to rise, Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna said Monday. At least two dozen were missing, he said.

Luna said he understands that people are eager to return to their homes and neighborhoods to survey the damage, but he asked for their patience. “We have people literally looking for the remains of your neighbors,” he explained.

The slower winds Sunday allowed some people to return to previously evacuated areas. Many had no idea if their homes or neighborhoods were still standing.

LA Fire Chief Kristin Crowley urged people to stay away from burned areas that are filled with broken gas lines, unstable buildings and still don’t have power. Officials also warned that the ash can contain lead, arsenic, asbestos and other harmful materials.

She also said Monday that people should not hesitate to leave if fires are near, even without an evacuation order.

“Be ready. And you do not have to wait, you do not have to wait for the order,” Crowley said.

Just under 100,000 people in Los Angeles County remained under evacuation orders, half the number from last week.

Crews from California and nine other states are part of the response that includes nearly 1,400 fire engines, 84 aircraft and 14,000 personnel, including newly arrived firefighters from Mexico.

President Joe Biden said Monday that he had directed hundreds of federal personnel, as well as federal aerial and ground support, to aid in fighting the fires and supporting survivors and hard-hit communities.

“We will continue to use every tool available to support the urgent firefight,” he said.

Firefighters over the weekend fought flames in Mandeville Canyon, home to Arnold Schwarzenegger and other celebrities.

The Palisades Fire spread Friday night, prompting new evacuation orders. Crews continued battling there Monday before potentially strong winds could push the flames toward the world-famous J. Paul Getty Museum and the University of California, Los Angeles.

Beyoncé, Disney and other celebrities and entertainment organizations have pledged millions to help those who have been displaced or lost their homes. Other stars — and ordinary people — have left large donations of clothing and other items along street corners in parts of the city.

Dozens of people have been arrested for looting after the wildfires. Officials said they are starting to see price-gouging and scams.

Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman said Monday that price-gouging has been happening with hotels, short-term rentals and medical supplies. Scammers are also contacting people for fake fundraising efforts.

The fires that began Jan. 7 north of downtown LA have burned more than 12,000 homes, cars and other structures.

Authorities haven’t determined an official cause for any of the fires. Southern California Edison has acknowledged agencies are investigating whether its equipment may have started a smaller blaze.