Multiple fires are spreading across Southern California amid a “particularly dangerous situation.”

LOS ANGELES – Multiple injuries were reported in Southern California as wildfires spread Wednesday amid the extreme fire danger posed by strong Santa Ana winds.

The National Weather Service's Los Angeles office issued a rare “Particularly Dangerous Situation” fire weather warning for portions of Los Angeles and Ventura counties through Thursday morning, noting damaging wind gusts of 50-80 mph in the forecast.

Dark smoke is seen from the Mountain Fire in Camarillo, California, on November 6, 2024.

(Richard Lopez/FOX Weather)

A rapidly spreading wildfire called the Mountain Fire broke out in Ventura County. According to the Ventura County Sheriff's Office, the fire has already burned 1,500 acres.

Officials said several people were injured by the fire and dozens of buildings were threatened.

At least 140 firefighters are on site. According to the Ventura County Fire Department, wind conditions are preventing aircraft from assisting in the firefight. The agency said ground crews, helicopters and mutual aid resources were the primary methods used to combat the fire.

Mandatory evacuation orders are in effect for portions of Moorpark and Somis, California.

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Another fire broke out in Los Angeles County this morning. The blaze, dubbed the Broad Fire, has burned at least 50 acres southwest of South Malibu Canyon Road and Pacific Coast Highway Malibuaccording to CAL Fire.

The Los Angeles County Fire Department said fire engulfed two buildings and there were no injuries.

Strong winds lead to school closures and power shutdowns

The NWS added that isolated gusts of 80 to 100 mph were possible in the San Gabriel Mountains, which are north of Los Angeles.

Due to the strong winds, schools in the San Diego area are closed as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of students and staff.

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Strong winds in Santa Ana, as well as extremely low humidity and dry vegetation, can cause trees and power lines to fall and spark rapidly spreading wildfires.

The Santa Ana winds, which generally blow toward the coast from the Santa Ana Mountains southeast of Los Angeles, impact Southern California each year.

A woman's hair is blown away as the Santa Ana winds return to Los Angeles. Oct 18, 2024.

(Genaro Molina/Los Angeles Times/Getty Images)

However, the NWS noted that Santa Ana winds are expected to be “stronger, more widespread and longer lasting” this week.

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According to the NWS, residents should expect a high risk of power outages and public safety shutdowns during this Santa Ana wind event.

PG&E said it had begun shutting off power to customers in Lake, Sonoma, Napa and Solano counties to prevent wildfires due to strong winds and low humidity.

Similar winds are expected again in the mountains on Thursday night. According to the FOX Forecast Center, the event will end on Friday and not until Saturday.