Fire officials in the US state of California announced on Friday that wildfires, which started more than three weeks ago near Los Angeles, have been contained.

So far, 29 people have been confirmed dead. The fires have burned more than 200 square kilometers, and damaged more than 18,000 structures.

In particular, the disaster has caused serious damage to the coastal Pacific Palisades neighborhood, and the inland community of Altadena.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has announced that restrictions on access to Pacific Palisades will be lifted on Sunday.

But recovery and reconstruction will likely take time as massive amounts of debris remain, and infrastructure was destroyed in the affected areas.

There are also concerns about possible effects of hazardous substances left behind by the fires.