A "Particularly Dangerous Situation" warning remains in effect as strong winds cause extreme fire danger in Southern California.

Gusts up to 70mph threaten firefighting progress in southern California as wildfires devour structures, displacing thousands of residents.

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.