The catastrophic fires that ripped through Southern California over the last three weeks were spurred by extremely dry conditions and unusually strong Santa Ana winds, in addition to water ...

Jon Keeley, University of California, Los Angeles (THE CONVERSATION) Powerful Santa Ana winds, with gusts reaching hurricane strength, swept down the mountains outside Los Angeles and spread wildfires ...

Smoke rises from a burning vehicle during a brush fire pushed by gusting Santa Ana winds on January 7, 2025 in Pacific Palisades, Los Angeles, California.

The deadly fires ... when Santa Ana winds — common for the winter but especially extreme this week — picked up. Winds across the foothills and valleys were as strong as 70 mph, with gusts touching 100 ...

California fire safety officials ... While the cause of the fire remains under investigation, authorities suspect that extreme Santa Ana winds drove a live power line close enough to energize ...