"The fire is growing with a moderate rate of spread and structures are threatened," Cal Fire said as it issued evacuation orders.

A wind-driven wildfire charred dozens of acres in a sparsely developed area south of Pala Mesa on Tuesday, damaging structures and forcing pre-dawn evacuations before crews could gain the upper hand on the flames.

Two new fires ignited in San Diego County on Tuesday, as firefighters continue fighting blazes further north in Los Angeles.

Several counties in Southern California faced "critical" fire risks this week, according to an AccuWeather forecast.

The Lilac fire was reported around 12:45 a.m. and by 5 a.m. had charred 80+ acres west of I-15 south of SR-76. Forward progress stopped around 10 a.m. It was one of three fires in North County

As firefighters descended on the Lilac Fire in Bonsall early Tuesday, several crews helping battle the blaze were from outside San Diego County and even California, with many hailing from more than 1,

Wildfires in Southern California prompt evacuations and school closures as Santa Ana winds exacerbate conditions. Communities remain on high alert.- Watch Video on English Oneindia

Continued strong winds and dry conditions on Wednesday morning rapidly spread a fire near Castaic Lake in northern Los Angeles County and has burned through 8,096 acres.

Fire danger persists with Santa Ana winds in the forecast Wednesday into Thursday as firefighters work to contain the Palisades, Eaton, Lilac, and Clay Fires in Southern California. However, there is some hope on the way in the form of raindrops and a wind shift this weekend.

Red flag warnings are in effect until Thursday for parts of Los Angeles, Ventura, San Diego, due to low humidity and an uptick in Santa Ana winds.

Millions of California residents were placed under a red flag warning through Thursday amid threats of further fires with looming winds in the forecast, according to multiple reports.