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.

Fires across the Los Angeles area have killed at least 25 people. The Palisades and Eaton fires continue to burn in Southern California.

To ensure your donation goes to a legitimate group doing relief work, you should: Avoid donating on the spot if you receive a phone call asking for money. If you want to donate by phone, you can visit the group’s website and call the phone number listed (or donate through the website itself).

Crews have come in from all over the country and Mexico to prevent further destruction. While they’re holding it down on the front lines, others are now stepping up to pitch in.