New or existing wildfires could grow rapidly on Wednesday under these conditions, forecasts warned. Officials are trying to prevent speculation and evictions in ravaged neighborhoods.

The National Weather Service warns to “stay on guard for a fast-moving fire,” as winds may challenge containment efforts. Follow live updates on the Palisades, Eaton and other fires.

Officials are bracing for the return of fierce Santa Ana winds as they try to contain large blazes in the Los Angeles area.

Los Angeles Fire Department Chief Kristin Crowley said Tuesday that “life-threatening and destructive and widespread winds” are in the region, which could fuel the growth of new or existing wildfires in Los Angeles County and Ventura County.

Firefighters on Wednesday confronted persistently strong and dry winds fueling two giant wildfires that have terrified Los Angeles for eight days, testing the resolve of a city upended by the worst disaster in its history.

Additional water tankers and scores of firefighters arrived at the Los Angeles area on Monday ahead of fierce winds that were forecast to return and threaten the progress made so far on two massive infernos that have destroyed thousands of homes and killed at least 24 people.