More than a week into what could be the costliest wildfires in U.S. history, weary and anxious Los Angeles-area residents are hoping for a favorable shift in the winds and an end to the constant fear that their lives might be further upended.

The ongoing disaster will affect residents’ health, local industries, public budgets and the cost of housing for years to come.

The threat of powerful wind gusts, combined with bone-dry humidity, in Los Angeles on Wednesday could test firefighters who have been battling to keep monstrous fires in Los Angeles in check since last week.