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.

Much of Southern California is facing weather carrying wildfire risks, threatening a "particularly dangerous situation" due to especially dry conditions and strong winds that can spark and quickly spread wildfires,

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

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

The Santa Ana winds raging in Southern California are hitting hurricane speeds in some areas, prompting weather officials to describe the fire conditions as “EXTREME.” In fact, the National Weather Service described the winds and low humidity,

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.

Fire danger is expected to increase in the region due to another round of Santa Ana winds on Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service.