Southern California is bracing for a powerful Santa Ana wind event with extreme fire danger as containment efforts continue on the Eaton and Palisades fires.

Windy and dry conditions have returned to Southern California, raising the risk of new wildfires sparking as firefighters continue to battle two major blazes in the Los Angeles area that started in similar weather nearly two weeks ago.

At least 16 people have died in the blaze, east of downtown Los Angeles. Officials expect the number to rise as the police make their way through devastated neighborhoods.