Southern California is grappling with a deadly wildfire crisis fueled by Santa Ana winds and parched conditions. The National Weather Service has issued a red flag warning, signaling a “particularly dangerous situation” as winds spread fire-igniting debris. Starting January 7, wildfires have claimed 25 lives, with damages projected at $250-275 billion. These wildfires have now surpassed the economic toll of past disasters like the Maui wildfires and Hurricane Helene.