"The fire danger in many parts of Los Angeles and Ventura counties is 'about as high as it can be,' a meteorologist warned Tuesday."

"Brush and other natural fuels are dry from a year without much precipitation, Santa Ana winds are blowing strong and humidity levels are often in the single digits, said Mike Wofford, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Oxnard. A red-flag warning signaling high fire danger is in effect until at least 6 p.m. Wednesday.

Strong winds early Tuesday felled a large tree that hit the administration building of Mt. Vernon Elementary School in San Bernardino."

Ari Bloomekatz reports for the Los Angeles Times January 14, 2014. [2]