A particularly dangerous situation red flag warning is in place from noon Monday to 10 a.m. PT Tuesday for a large portion of Ventura and Los Angeles counties.

This is the third PDS warning issued within 14 days in the greater Los Angeles area, which is "unprecedented" for the region, according to the National Weather Service.

With the PDS warning, officials said Monday that residents should be prepared to leave immediately as the critical fire danger weather ramps up.

Here's a guide to understanding "particularly dangerous situation" red flag warnings, containment, and other terms related to the devastating fires that have left much of the LA area in ruins.

LOS ANGELES — Southern California headed Monday into a day of its most extreme fire weather conditions — an unprecedented fifth time the National Weather Service office has sounded the

As wildfires rage near Los Angeles, claiming lives and homes, residents cling to hope for a wind shift. With damages projected to reach up to $275 billion, the devastation is immense, but a change in weather may offer a glimmer of relief amidst the chaos.