Cooler temperatures have aided firefighters as they begin to turn the tables on a large wildfire that has torn across Southern California.

The Holy Fire was 41 per cent contained by Sunday afternoon after burning over 35.5 square miles of dry timber and brush at Cleveland National Forest, around 100 miles southeast of Los Angeles.

The progress made by crews has been partly attributed to cooler conditions in the area in recent days.

However, firefighters are braces for temperatures to climb towards the 40C mark once again by the end of next week.

California in flames: wildfires rage across the US state in 2018 Show all 45 1 /45 California in flames: wildfires rage across the US state in 2018 California in flames: wildfires rage across the US state in 2018 Firefighters try to limit the spread of the Carr Fire by backburning, a process by which areas in the path of a fire are burned up in advance to rob the fire of its fuel Getty California in flames: wildfires rage across the US state in 2018 A street is devastated by the Carr Fire in the town of Redding AP California in flames: wildfires rage across the US state in 2018 A truck burned by the Delta Fire is abandoned along interstate 5 AFP/Getty California in flames: wildfires rage across the US state in 2018 This image from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration highlights the major fire AP California in flames: wildfires rage across the US state in 2018 The Ranch Fire spots out ahead of the main fire in Spring Valley, burning two homes AP California in flames: wildfires rage across the US state in 2018 A picture taken by German astronaut and geophysicist Alexander Gerst, showing wildfires in the state of California as seen from the International Space Station AFP/Getty/ESA/Alexander Gerst California in flames: wildfires rage across the US state in 2018 Evacuees from Lucerne, from left, Ken Bennett with Ember Reynolds, 8, and Lisa Reynolds watch the sunset as smoke from the Ranch Fire rises into the sky at Austin Park Beach in California's Clearlake with Mount Konocti in the background The Press Democrat via AP California in flames: wildfires rage across the US state in 2018 The memorial for Redding firefighter Jeremy Stoke AP California in flames: wildfires rage across the US state in 2018 Aerial view of Trabuco Canyon as a tanker aircraft dumps load onto Holy Fire, Near Santiago Peak, California, U.S., August 6, 2018 in this still image taken from a video obtained from social media. TWITTER / @ZULUJUMPER/via REUTERS THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY. NO RESALES. NO ARCHIVES. MANDATORY CREDIT SOCIAL MEDIA REUTERS California in flames: wildfires rage across the US state in 2018 Holy Jim volunteer firefighter Luke Senger stands next to a home destroyed the Holy Fire in Trabuco Canyon AP California in flames: wildfires rage across the US state in 2018 Firefighters try to stop the spread of a massive fire in Lake County AP California in flames: wildfires rage across the US state in 2018 A woman walks out of the water after taking a dip as smoke rises in the distance from the Holy Fire in Cleveland National Forest Getty California in flames: wildfires rage across the US state in 2018 A pyrocumulus cloud (or cloud of fire) explodes in the Carr fire near the town of Redding Getty California in flames: wildfires rage across the US state in 2018 The Delta Fire burns in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest AP California in flames: wildfires rage across the US state in 2018 Trees set alight near Whiskeytown Getty California in flames: wildfires rage across the US state in 2018 An firefighting aircraft drops fire retardant to slow the spread of the River Fire near Lakeport Getty California in flames: wildfires rage across the US state in 2018 A firefighter lights backfires in an attempt to limit the spread of the Ranch Fire Reuters California in flames: wildfires rage across the US state in 2018 Firefighters light backfires to defend houses in the town Upper Lake from the Ranch Fire Getty California in flames: wildfires rage across the US state in 2018 Flames consume a home in Lakeport AP California in flames: wildfires rage across the US state in 2018 The Ranch Fire spread towards the town of Upper Lake AFP/Getty Images California in flames: wildfires rage across the US state in 2018 A firefighter lights a backfire in the city of Redding Getty California in flames: wildfires rage across the US state in 2018 The Carr Fire burns near Whiskeytown AP California in flames: wildfires rage across the US state in 2018 Firefighters try to limit the spread of the Carr Fire by backburning Getty California in flames: wildfires rage across the US state in 2018 Flames flare in the Cajon Pass near San Bernardino AP California in flames: wildfires rage across the US state in 2018 An firefighting aircraft drops fire retardant to slow the spread of the River Fire near Lakeport Reuters California in flames: wildfires rage across the US state in 2018 A schoolhouse burns in the Carr Fire in Shasta County AP California in flames: wildfires rage across the US state in 2018 The Carr Fire burns along Highway 299 by the city of Redding AP California in flames: wildfires rage across the US state in 2018 A car is seen amongst the devastation left by the Cranston Fire EPA California in flames: wildfires rage across the US state in 2018 A firefighter waters down a backfire on Cloverdale Road in Igo AP California in flames: wildfires rage across the US state in 2018 Firefighters convene while battling the Carr Fire in Shasta County AP California in flames: wildfires rage across the US state in 2018 Firefighters assess the damage in San Bernardino County AP California in flames: wildfires rage across the US state in 2018 The Carr Fire burns along Highway 299 by the city of Redding AP California in flames: wildfires rage across the US state in 2018 The Carr Fire burns along Highway 299 in Shasta County AP California in flames: wildfires rage across the US state in 2018 The land around Mountain Centre has been left devastated by the Cranston Fire EPA California in flames: wildfires rage across the US state in 2018 Firefighters battle the Carr Fire in the town of Redding AP California in flames: wildfires rage across the US state in 2018 A home burns in Redding Getty California in flames: wildfires rage across the US state in 2018 The Cranston Fire burns south of Idyllwild AP California in flames: wildfires rage across the US state in 2018 The Carr Fire burns through the town of Shasta AP California in flames: wildfires rage across the US state in 2018 A home burns in Redding Getty California in flames: wildfires rage across the US state in 2018 A collection of antique cars has been destroyed by the fire in the town of Redding Getty California in flames: wildfires rage across the US state in 2018 A home on Sunflower Road in Redding burns in the Carr Fire Getty California in flames: wildfires rage across the US state in 2018 A helicopter aids utility workers as they work to repair burned power lines EPA California in flames: wildfires rage across the US state in 2018 A home burns in Redding Getty California in flames: wildfires rage across the US state in 2018 The Carr Fire burns along Highway 299 by the city of Redding AP California in flames: wildfires rage across the US state in 2018 Sunflower Road in Redding burns in the Carr Fire Getty

“The weather out here in California seems to be cooling down today and over the next couple days, and that should hopefully help firefighters get even more containment,” said Lynne Tolmachoff, of the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.

“They should make better progress over the next couple of days.”

The Holy Fire, named after Holy Jim Canyon where it began last Monday, is one of nearly 20 blazes currently burning across California.

The state is beginning to see earlier, longer and more destructive wildfire seasons due to its ongoing drought problems, warmer weather attributed to climate change and construction deeper in forests.

With firefighters beginning to get a better handle on the blaze, a number of evacuation orders were lifted over the weekend for areas previously in the fire’s path, Ms Tolmachoff said.

More than 20,000 people were reportedly told to evacuate at one point in order to avoid the wildfire, which has so far destroyed 16 structures.

Aircraft have made flight after flight, dumping water and bright pink retardant on the blaze to protect Lake Elsinore and other foothill communities near the flames.

The man accused of deliberately starting the fire appeared in court on Friday, but his arraignment was postponed.

Forrest Clark, 51, made several outbursts, claiming his life was being threatened and saying the arson charge against him was a lie.

California wildfires: thousands flee homes after devastating blaze Show all 15 1 /15 California wildfires: thousands flee homes after devastating blaze California wildfires: thousands flee homes after devastating blaze Mandatory Credit: Photo by Neal Waters/ZUMA Wire/REX (9726569g) The Pawnee Fire in Lake County continued to show aggressive fire behavior in the early afternoon of Sunday. Fire crews focused on structure protection while helicopters make water drops to assist the strike teams on the ground. The Pawnee wildfire, California, USA - 24 Jun 2018 Neal Waters/ZUMA Wire/REX Rex California wildfires: thousands flee homes after devastating blaze An air tanker drops retardant on a wildfire above the Spring Lakes community on Sunday, June 24, 2018., near Clearlake Oaks, Calif. Wind-driven wildfires destroyed buildings and threatened hundreds of others Sunday as they raced across dry brush in rural Northern California. (AP Photo/Noah Berger) Noah Berger AP California wildfires: thousands flee homes after devastating blaze Mandatory Credit: Photo by Neal Waters/ZUMA Wire/REX (9726569v) The Pawnee Fire in Lake County near the communities of Clearlake Oaks and Spring Valley has burned over 1000 acres by 4am Sunday The Pawnee wildfire, California, USA - 24 Jun 2018 Fire crews focused on structure protection while helicopters make water drops to assist the strike teams on the ground. The fire started late Saturday evening and was driven by low humidity, high temperatures and gusty winds. Neal Waters/ZUMA Wire/REX Rex Features California wildfires: thousands flee homes after devastating blaze Fire crews battle a wildfire near Cache Creek Road in Spring Valley, Calif., Monday, June 25, 2018. Thousands were forced to flee their homes Monday as major wildfires encroached on a charred area of Northern California still recovering from severe blazes in recent years, sparking concern the state may be in for another destructive series of wildfires this summer. (Paul Kitagaki Jr./The Sacramento Bee via AP) Paul Kitagaki Jr. AP California wildfires: thousands flee homes after devastating blaze A structure leveled by a wildfire rests in a clearing on Wolf Creek Road near Clearlake Oaks, Calif., on Sunday, June 24, 2018. Wind-driven wildfires destroyed buildings and threatened hundreds of others Sunday as they raced across dry brush in rural Northern California. (AP Photo/Noah Berger) Noah Berger AP California wildfires: thousands flee homes after devastating blaze Mandatory Credit: Photo by Neal Waters/ZUMA Wire/REX (9726569m) The Pawnee Fire in Lake County continued to show aggressive fire behavior in the early afternoon of Sunday. Fire crews focused on structure protection while helicopters make water drops to assist the strike teams on the ground. The Pawnee wildfire, California, USA - 24 Jun 2018 Neal Waters/ZUMA Wire/REX Rex Features California wildfires: thousands flee homes after devastating blaze A vehicle scorched by a wildfire rests in a clearing on Wolf Creek Road near Clearlake Oaks, Calif., Sunday, June 24, 2018. Wind-driven wildfires destroyed buildings and threatened hundreds of others Sunday as they raced across dry brush in rural Northern California. (AP Photo/Noah Berger) Noah Berger AP California wildfires: thousands flee homes after devastating blaze Cal Fire battles a wildfire in Spring Valley, Calif., Sunday, June 24, 2018. Wind-driven wildfires destroyed buildings and threatened hundreds of others Sunday as they raced across dry brush in rural Northern California. (Paul Kitagaki Jr./The Sacramento Bee via AP) Paul Kitagaki Jr. AP California wildfires: thousands flee homes after devastating blaze Firefighters work to contain a wildfire in Spring Valley, Calif., Sunday, June 24, 2018. Wind-driven wildfires destroyed buildings and threatened hundreds of others Sunday as they raced across dry brush in rural Northern California. (Paul Kitagaki Jr./The Sacramento Bee via AP) Paul Kitagaki Jr. AP California wildfires: thousands flee homes after devastating blaze In this photo provided by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, the Pawnee Fire wildfire burns northeast of Clearlake Oaks, Calif., early Sunday, June 24, 2018. The Pawnee Fire, which broke out Saturday, was one of four wildfires burning in largely rural areas as wind and heat gripped a swath of California from San Jose to the Oregon border. (Jonathan Cox/California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection via AP) Jonathan Cox AP California wildfires: thousands flee homes after devastating blaze Cal Fire battles a wildfire on Sunday, June 24, 2018 in Spring Valley, Calif. Wind-driven wildfires destroyed buildings and threatened hundreds of others Sunday as they raced across dry brush in rural Northern California. (Paul Kitagaki Jr./The Sacramento Bee via AP) Paul Kitagaki Jr. AP California wildfires: thousands flee homes after devastating blaze In this photo provided by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, the Pawnee Fire wildfire burns in the Spring Valley area, northeast of Clearlake Oaks in Lake County, Calif., early Sunday, June 24, 2018. The Pawnee Fire, which broke out Saturday near Clearlake Oaks, was one of four wildfires burning in largely rural areas as wind and heat gripped a swath of California from San Jose to the Oregon border. (Jonathan Cox/California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection via AP) Jonathan Cox AP California wildfires: thousands flee homes after devastating blaze In this photo provided by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, the Pawnee Fire wildfire burns northeast of Clearlake Oaks, Calif., early Sunday, June 24, 2018. The fire burned actively throughout the night in the Spring Valley area, northeast of Clearlake Oaks in Lake County. The Pawnee Fire, which broke out Saturday, was one of four wildfires burning in largely rural areas as wind and heat gripped a swath of California from San Jose to the Oregon border. (Jonathan Cox/California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection via AP) Jonathan Cox AP California wildfires: thousands flee homes after devastating blaze Cal Fire helicopter helps battle a wildfire in Spring Valley, Calif., Sunday, June 24, 2018. Wind-driven wildfires destroyed buildings and threatened hundreds of others Sunday as they raced across dry brush in rural Northern California. (Paul Kitagaki Jr./The Sacramento Bee via AP) Paul Kitagaki Jr. AP California wildfires: thousands flee homes after devastating blaze An air tanker drops retardant on a wildfire burning above the Spring Lakes community on Sunday, June 24, 2018, near Clearlake Oaks, Calif. Wind-driven wildfires destroyed buildings and threatened hundreds of others Sunday as they raced across dry brush in rural Northern California. (AP Photo/Noah Berger) Noah Berger AP

A court commissioner ordered his bail to remain at $1m (£780,000).

Elsewhere, the largest fire ever recorded in California, the Mendocino Complex, burning north of Sacramento, destroyed more than 100 homes.

It was nearly 70 per cent contained Saturday, but has already covered some 508 square miles.

The two-week-old Carr Fire that killed eight people and tore through more than 1,000 homes was more than 50 per cent contained on Saturday.