More than 3,700 people return to Malibu homes as calmer winds help firefighters battle blaze

Another 1,600 people still under evacuation orders with 20,000 residents affected by warnings due to Franklin fire

More than 3,700 residents were allowed to return to their Malibu homes on Thursday after calmer winds and rising humidity in southern California helped firefighters battle a blaze that had forced thousands, including celebrities, to evacuate earlier this week.

But another 1,600 people with homes in Malibu - a city typically known for its rugged canyons, stunning bluffs and celebrities' seaside mansions - remained under evacuation orders. All told, about 20,000 residents in the city and neighboring areas had been affected by mandatory evacuation orders and warnings since the fire broke out late Monday.

Firefighters continued to battle the blaze, dubbed the Franklin fire, which was only 20% contained over about 6.3 sq miles (16.3 sq km) on Thursday. The flames were fed by powerful winds that swept through the region in the beginning of the week. But the weather improved so much on Wednesday that meteorologists discontinued all red flag warnings, which indicate high fire danger, and fire crews were able to successfully push back against the flames.

Winds would continue to ease, said meteorologist Mike Wofford with the National Weather Service's office for Los Angeles.