Southern California may be catching a slight break from peak winds, but the danger isn’t over yet. Firefighters are making progress, but the region remains on edge as Santa Ana winds are expected to stick around for the next few days. Officials are urging everyone to stay vigilant. “Everyone needs to be on high alert,” Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass emphasized. With red flag warnings in place for Los Angeles and Ventura counties, including areas like Malibu, the risk of wildfires remains severe due to low humidity and strong gusts. Though wind speeds are expected to ease slightly, the National Weather Service warns that conditions could stay risky through Thursday. Wind gusts earlier this week hit speeds of up to 77 mph in some areas, creating a perfect storm for potential fires. Over three million people are under an “extremely critical” fire threat, while more than 10 million face a “critical” risk. Dry air and sustained offshore winds are making the situation worse, with humidity levels dropping to as low as 2% in some spots. California Governor Gavin Newsom has mobilized over 130 fire engines and 790 personnel to help tackle the crisis. Despite their efforts, the region’s severe drought—90% of Los Angeles County is now in severe drought—is making matters worse. Recent fires, like the Palisades Fire and Eaton Fire, are mostly contained, but new threats could emerge. Fire behavior analyst Dennis Burns warned that strong winds might limit the use of firefighting aircraft, a key tool in battling blazes. Evacuation orders have been lifted in some areas, but many residents are still unable to return home. Former Vice President Kamala Harris visited affected communities, assuring residents of federal support for recovery efforts. In the meantime, precautions like red-flag parking restrictions and potential power shutoffs for nearly 250,000 customers are being considered to reduce fire risks. As Southern California braces for more challenges, the message is clear: stay prepared and stay safe.