While Los Angeles officials are making progress in fire containment and search and recovery efforts, extreme fire danger threatens LA and Ventura counties over the next few days. Strong winds — reaching gusts of up to 70 mph — will create dangerous conditions and the possibility of new wildfires, even as multiple blazes continue to burn across already decimated areas.

"Severe fire weather conditions will continue through Wednesday. Please be assured that all fire departments and all law enforcement agencies in the area will be prepared," Los Angeles County Fire Department Chief Anthony Marrone said during a press conference on Monday regarding the wildfires and strong winds. "The anticipated winds combined with low humidities and low fuel moistures will keep the fire threat in all of Los Angeles County critical."

The strong winds along with extremely dry conditions and low humidity will lead to a "particularly dangerous situation," with red flag warning conditions by late Monday night through Wednesday morning, according to the National Weather Service.

A red flag warning means there are conditions for an increased risk of fire: a combination of very low humidity, warm temperatures and strong winds.

"Extreme fire danger will continue thru Wed. PDS Red Flag Warnings are for the extreme of the extreme fire weather scenarios. In other words, this setup is about as bad as it gets," the NWS Los Angeles office wrote in a post on X regarding fire danger and strong winds. "Stay aware of your surroundings. Be prepared to evacuate. Avoid anything that can spark a fire."

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said officials are making "urgent preparations" in anticipation of the next round of strong winds and are providing other resources to residents, such as helping people apply for disaster relief loans.

"LA City firefighters and firefighters from across the county, state and nation and even overseas are in a proactive and strategic posture to save lives," Bass said during a press conference on Monday regarding fire recovery and strong winds.

Read the full article about strong winds and wildfire recovery by Chandelis Duster at NPR.