Santa Ana winds are fueling dangerous wildfire conditions in Los Angeles and other parts of Southern California.

The winds are common in California in the colder months, but they can sometimes help spread dangerous wildfires.

We are under a First Alert Weather Alert until 7 this evening due to Santa Ana winds and their impacts. Red Flag Warnings and High Wind Warnings remain in place through this evening across Southern California,

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: What are Santa Ana winds?

Everyone from firefighters to power line inspectors to park rangers are on the lookout for brush fires as a major Santa Ana windstorm edges ever closer to San Diego County, which has slipped into drought due to uncommonly dry weather.