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As officials monitor the situation closely, the death toll from these wildfires has tragically risen to 24, with more individuals reported missing. The rapid spread of fires can be attributed to extreme weather conditions, including gusts of wind reaching upwards of 100 miles per hour, which have been categorized similarly to hurricane force winds.
Firefighters are now bracing for even more dangerous Santa Ana winds, expected later today, which could hinder their efforts and reignite already scorched structures. As the National Weather Service has issued red flag warnings extending through Wednesday, concerns are mounting that the combination of low humidity and high winds may lead to further flames breaking out across the area.