Multiple wildfires are currently raging through Los Angeles County, forcing evacuations and destroying neighborhoods. A long dry summer created ample fuel that has combined with a lack of rainfall over the winter to extend fire season conditions.

The recent wildfires in Los Angeles were intensified by strong Santa Ana winds, which are a unique weather pattern in Southern California. These winds are caused by the topography of Southern California and the circulation of a strong high-pressure system over the Rocky Mountains.