Firefighters have slowed the spread of a huge wildfire churning through rugged mountains north of Los Angeles where dangerous winds gained strength again.

Eaton Fire initially started 6:18 p.m. Jan. 7 in Los Angeles County. Since its discovery 16 days ago, it has burned 14,021 acres. A fire crew of 1,837 has been working on site and, as of Thursday morning, they managed to contain 95% of the fire. However, investigations into the cause are ongoing.

A new air quality alert has been issued for Los Angeles County until 7 p.m. local time "due to harmful particle pollution levels from windblown dust and ash." This pollution can embed deep into the lungs and cause health problems including heart disease symptoms,

The Hughes fire about 50 miles north of Los Angeles further taxed firefighters in the region who have managed to bring two major fires in the metropolitan area largely under control.