The Santa Ana winds are dry, powerful winds that blow down the mountains toward the Southern California coast. The region sees about 10 Santa Ana wind events a year on average, typically occurring from fall into January. When conditions are dry, as they are right now, these winds can become a severe fire hazard.

Neighbors held man, seen with propane torch, until cops arrive, leading to a potential break in Kenneth Fire investigation.

A new brush fire erupted in the West Hills area Thursday afternoon. The Kenneth Fire triggered mandatory evacuations in the area, including Calabasas.

Firefighters rushed to contain a new wildfire that erupted near homes in the area of Calabasas and West Hills, northwest of Los Angeles, on Thursday afternoon. The

A fire has broken out at the border of Los Angeles and Ventura counties and is spreading rapidly, threatening numerous hillside homes in the Calabasas and Hidden Hills areas.

A new wildfire erupted in West Hills, California ... and Hidden Hills areas. The Kenneth Fire started near the west end of Victory Boulevard at around 2:30 p.m. Thursday, fanned by gusty Santa ...

Topography matters, too — treeless mountain peaks are typically windier without those trees, or buildings, to slow the winds. And different parts of Earth — water and land — heat from sunlight at different rates, which shapes wind.

The Eaton fire has killed 16 people, officials said. Firefighters have made progress on the wildfires over the weekend, but forecasters warn of fiercer winds this week.

Dangerous Santa ... Southern California on Monday. There are currently three active wildfires in Los Angeles County: the Palisades Fire, the Eaton Fire and the Hurst Fire. Santa Ana winds are ...

At least 25 people have been killed and more than 40,000 acres burned as the wildfires race through southern California for a ninth day

In recent days, however, the region’s powerful Santa Ana winds—which have been fanning the flames—have begun to slow down. This lull has offered firefighters a reprieve and a key opportunity to make progress against the blazes, but forecasts suggest the Santa Ana will return next week. What are these gusts, and how have they become so strong?

So far, the strongest winds recorded during the fires were around 100 miles per hour, which is considered hurricane-force strength. The strong Santa Ana winds are still expected to remain throughout the week, which is not ideal for the ongoing fight to contain the fires.