Forecasters say the moisture will do virtually nothing to tamp down the threat of wildfires in a region starving for rain.

Southern California is braced for "extremely critical fire conditions" caused by a new period of Santa Ana winds today through Wednesday across parts of Los Angeles and Ventura counties, as the battle to contain rampant blazes goes on.

Weary and anxious from a week of massive blazes burning around Los Angeles, Southern California residents faced dire new wildfire warnings Tuesday while preparing to flee at a moment's notice as fire-fueling winds blasted the area again.

A "Particularly Dangerous Situation" warning remains in effect as strong winds cause extreme fire danger in Southern California.

A beefed-up firefighting force was staged around Los Angeles to attack flare-ups or new blazes and anxious residents prepared for more fire danger as winds began to build Tuesday, a week after two

The strongest gusts are expected Tuesday morning and early afternoon, which will then be followed by a break in the evening.

Officials are bracing for the return of fierce Santa Ana winds as they try to contain large blazes in the Los Angeles area. Here's the latest.