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

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.

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

The devastating wildfires have also destroyed businesses, land and homes owned by Hollywood A-listers like Paris Hilton, Spencer Pratt and Heidi Montag. Other celebrities impacted include Mark Hamill, Sir Anthony Hopkins, John Goodman and Billy Crystal, who all fled their homes.

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.

Follow the latest news, updates and containment efforts for the wildfires burning in Los Angeles, including the Palisades and Eaton fires.

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.

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