Critical fire conditions are expected to continue through Friday. But rain could be on the way this weekend. Here's what to know.

With Santa Ana winds set to again hit the Los Angeles area, 21 Oregon strike teams made up of nearly 400 Oregon firefighters are putting out spot fires and embers, as winds could soon reach nearly 85 miles per hour and cause more blazes to break out.

The Santa Anas are expected to be most powerful Monday night into Tuesday. Fire services across the region say they are ready.

Windy and dry conditions returned to Southern California on Monday, raising the risk of new wildfires sparking as firefighters continue to battle two major blazes in the Los Angeles area that started in similar weather nearly two weeks ago.

Fire trucks traveling from Oregon and other states to help fight the California wildfires were stopped for routine 15-minute safety checks, not emissions testing.

"A strong Santa Ana Wind event is expected to develop Monday and last through at least Tuesday," the National Weather Service said.

The Santa Ana winds are dry, powerful winds that blow down the mountains toward the Southern California coast. The region sees about 10 Santa Ana wind events a year on average, typically occurring from fall into January. When conditions are dry, as they are right now, these winds can become a severe fire hazard.

One of the biggest stories of 2025 thus far has been the wildfires in California. A common occurrence in that state, wildfires are often fueled by a combination of drought and terrain. The terrain allows for the development of Santa Ana winds that cause any fire to spread very quickly.

PORTLAND, Ore. (KATU) — Firefighters making up the Multnomah County strike teams returned home on Saturday morning. Crews arrived back in Portland just after 10 a.m. Oregon made history with its largest out-of-state firefighting deployment, showcasing the state's dedication to aiding others during crises, officials said Saturday.

Southern Californians are bracing for gusty winds and a heightened risk of wildfires, less than two weeks after the outbreak of deadly blazes that have killed at least 27 people and charred thousands of homes.

With high winds driving the flames, the fast-moving wildfire exploded to more than 10,000 acres by 10 p.m. that night, according to the California ... following strong Santa Ana winds that could ...

More residents were returning to their homes in the Pacific Palisades area Monday, with containment of the deadly Palisades Fire growing to 59% ahead of another dangerous Santa Ana wind event that could bring isolated gusts as high as 100 mph.