Forecasters in California are using some of their strongest language to warn that windy conditions may help fires spread this week.

Firefighters are battling two fast-growing wildfires in Southern California Wednesday as the state experiences a “particularly dangerous” fire weather event.

Fire officials warned of a "particularly dangerous situation" in LA and Ventura Counties, the highest threat level. LOS ANGELES (CN) — High winds raked much of California and spurred a handful of wildfires Wednesday, including one in the wealthy seaside enclave of Malibu.

Residents in Southern California face an extreme fire weather threat Wednesday as dry conditions overlap with strong Santa Ana winds.

Los Angeles, Ventura counties and Santa Barbara counties face especially high risks of wildfires as tens of thousands of residents face possible power shutoffs — with forecasters announcing a rare weather advisory that's typically issued only once every few years,

Strong and "particularly dangerous" Santa Ana winds are expected to return Wednesday, leading to more critical fire threat warnings.

Wind gusts topping 70 mph in the San Gabriel Mountains are providing a taste of the conditions that are expected to continue into Thursday.

EXTREME FIRE WEATHER. Powerful Santa Ana winds will increase the fire danger in portions of California over the next few days. Red flag warnings (above) have been issued for porti

A very strong, widespread and long-duration Santa Ana wind event will bring extreme fire weather conditions to many areas of Southern California, but particularly Los Angeles and Ventura counties into Thursday.