By the time the winds get to the point where the Eaton Fire broke out in Altadena on Jan. 7, it’s not uncommon for them to have less than 5 percent relative humidity, meaning essentially no moisture at all.

At least five wildfires are ravaging Southern California, and the three largest have already killed at least five people, burned tens of thousands of acres and prompted the evacuation of an estimated 179,

The gusty winds that helped spread multiple wildfires gradually subsided on Wednesday afternoon, but dry conditions mean less potent winds could still be dangerous. More strong winds are expected later Thursday.