The Santa Ana winds are fueling wildfires in southern California. Usually, they stay at higher altitudes, but this time, they dropped lower and squeezed through mountain passes.

Santa Ana winds are common in Southern California during cooler months. Here’s a look at the often-fierce winds that topple power lines and trees and can turn a spark into a raging wildfire.

Santa Ana winds are common in Southern California during cooler months. Here’s a look at the often-fierce winds that topple power lines and trees and can turn a spark into a raging wildfire: ...

Although the Santa Anas are a routine part of life for people living in southern California, the winds are particularly violent and destructive this time around, experts say.

Santa Ana winds in Southern California are often-fierce winds that topple power lines and trees and can turn a spark into a raging wildfire.

The ferocious Santa Ana winds that helped fuel the deadly wildfires around Los Angeles are forecast to ease later Wednesday, but they may return.

How do the Santa Ana winds form? The winds are created by high pressure over the Great Basin — a desert region that spans several states, including California, Nevada, Oregon and Utah.

The winds, gusting more than 70 mph, have been powerful enough to knock over semitrucks and can carry away embers that could start new fires for miles.

Assemblymembers Jacqui Irwin and John Harabedian write about the issues with The Board of Forestry’s “Zone 0” proposal.

Wildfires are now a consistent threat. Learn how to rebuild stronger, smarter, and safer to better withstand the next ...

View the latest weather forecasts, maps, news and alerts on Yahoo Weather. Find local weather forecasts for Santa Ana, United States throughout the world ...

Since 1993, seven of the 10 worst fire years in California, ranked by total acres burned, have occurred after drier-than-normal winters. By contrast, eight of the state’s 10 mildest fire years ...