The Santa Ana winds usually occur during the winter months in southern California. They are often warm, strong – and this year extra dry.
The winds have the potential to create life-threatening weather conditions by spreading embers from an existing fire to another area and thus starting a new fire, according to Jesse Torres, head of California's fire defense.
It almost creates two fires. And those fires burn quickly together, he says.
Unusual drought
The region has also received less rainfall than usual – barely 6.25 millimeters over the past eight months. The situation with the drought is unusual for January, writes New York Times.
The dry vegetation we see right now corresponds to what you usually expect in October or early November, when the rainy season begins, says Jonathan O'Brien, meteorologist at the US Forest Service to the newspaper.
Forest fires are a threat all year round in California. Historically, the season for forest fires occurs between May and October, according to the Western Fire Chiefs Association.
Started earlier
The season for forest fires in California is starting earlier and ending later. This is due to rising temperatures and decreased rainfall linked to climate change, according to new data, reports the news agency AP.
The rain that usually stops the forest fires is coming later, which means that the fires can continue during the winter, according to the Western Fire Chiefs Association.
