Los Angeles Fire Department Chief Kristin Crowley said Tuesday that “life-threatening and destructive and widespread winds” are in the region, which could fuel the growth of new or existing wildfires in Los Angeles County and Ventura County.

Wednesday, 1:00 a.m. PST The Auto Fire has burned 61 acres and is 47% under control, according to Cal Fire. Progress on the two biggest fires remains slow as the containment of the Palisades Fire —which has burned 23,713 acres—and the 14,117 acres Eaton Fire remains at 18% and 35%, as of the latest update on Tuesday evening.

Containing wildfires—never mind extinguishing them—in parched and windy conditions can be monstrously difficult. Dry vegetation is rocket fuel for blazes and wind both feeds the flames and spreads the embers. “The winds are like pointing an air blower at a fireplace,” says Gershunov, “except it’s not contained and it’s on a much larger scale.”

The Eaton Fire burning just north of Los Angeles and the Palisades Fire that destroyed much of the seaside LA neighborhood of Pacific Palisades broke out Jan. 7 in conditions similar to what’s expected Wednesday. High winds last week pushed flames at remarkable speed and carried fire-sparking embers sometimes miles away.

For the latest updates on the LA fires, follow USA TODAY's live coverage for Tuesday, Jan. 14. LOS ANGELES − Ominous winds were expected to regain strength Monday, howling through fire-blackened trees,

The resurgence of powerful winds across Southern California threatened to slow the containment of historically destructive wildfires that have so far left 24 people dead and thousands of homes destroyed.

Firefighters on Tuesday held the line against two massive wildfires that have ravaged parts of Los Angeles for the past week, even as desert winds and a parched landscape presented extremely hazardous conditions.