Forecasters have issued red flag warnings across much of Southern California, telling the public that conditions present a “particularly dangerous situation.”

The National Weather Service was warning residents of Los Angeles and Ventura counties about the potentially dangerous situation. Area wind gusts of 60 to 80 mph are expected in the mountains and foothills of the two counties, and wind gusts of up to 100 mph are expected in isolated areas.

Wind gusts of 50 to 70 mph are also expected in wind-prone coastal and valley areas.

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The winds, combined with a drop in humidity levels of 8 to 15%, are creating “highly volatile conditions.”

“If a fire occurs, conditions are favorable for rapid fire spread and extreme fire behavior that would threaten life and property,” the National Weather Service said. “With the threat of even stronger winds in Santa Ana and drier fuels with the Wednesday/Thursday event in Santa Ana, there will be an increased risk of long-range sightings.”

In addition to the red flag alert, the area is also under a high wind alert. Forecasters say damaging winds could knock out power and make travel difficult. They urged residents to be careful about falling debris.

Cal Fire reported a new fire Wednesday that is not contained. The Ventura County Mountain Fire forced officials to open a shelter after the fire consumed nearly 250 acres.

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