"The fire is growing with a moderate rate of spread and structures are threatened," Cal Fire said as it issued evacuation orders.

Several counties in Southern California faced "critical" fire risks this week, according to an AccuWeather forecast.

Multiple brush fires erupted in San Diego’s North County early Tuesday morning, prompting a fast response from firefighters and mandatory evacuations.

At least 28 people are believed to be dead and more than a dozen others remain unaccounted for as multiple wildfires rage across Southern California.

San Diego County is the latest to get hit with wildfires, with the Pala, Riverview and Lilac blazes breaking out Tuesday.

A small number of residents were allowed to return to the devastated Pacific Palisades and Altadena areas and firefighters quickly controlled small blazes that broke out.

Santa Ana winds are whipping Southern California on Tuesday, sparking fresh fears that progress made fighting wildfires that have scorched over 40,000 acres and left 27 dead could be reversed and more blazes could break out.

Parched Southern California was forecast to face more dangerous winds on Wednesday but could get some needed rain this weekend, dampening prospects of another round of deadly wildfires -- while raising the possibility of other challenges,

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Winds picked up on Tuesday in Southern California and at least a couple of new wildfires broke out as firefighters remained on alert in extreme fire weather two weeks after two major blazes started that are still burning in the Los Angeles area.

Stay informed about the fire situation in Southern California. Find out about the forecast for dangerous winds and the possibility of rain.

Firefighters responded to a brush fire Wednesday north of Los Angeles on a day of red flag warnings for parts of Southern California.