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.”

Wind-driven flames are pushing through the greater Los Angeles area, forcing residents to flee their homes by the tens of thousands. At least five major wildfires present an unprecedented disaster for rescue and relief officials,

Jan. 19 A new wildfire was reported today at 7:15 a.m. in Los Angeles County. The wildfire has been burning on private land. At this time, the containment status is unknown and the cause of the fire remains undetermined.