Los Angeles ? Firefighters neared full containment Thursday of the smoldering remnants of deadly Southern California wildfires that destroyed more than 50 homes and forced thousands of residents to flee.

The notorious Santa Ana winds continued to diminish, but weather remained a concern because of low humidity. Forecasters said warnings of conditions creating critically dry vegetation would be in effect in many areas until tonight.

For people affected by the fires, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger issued an executive order suspending fees for replacement of many kinds of records and for late fees on such things as vehicle registrations.