Fire officials warned of a "particularly dangerous situation" in LA and Ventura Counties, the highest threat level. LOS ANGELES (CN) — High winds raked much of California and spurred a handful of wildfires Wednesday, including one in the wealthy seaside enclave of Malibu.

Los Angeles, Ventura counties and Santa Barbara counties face especially high risks of wildfires as tens of thousands of residents face possible power shutoffs — with forecasters announcing a rare weather advisory that's typically issued only once every few years,

Strong and "particularly dangerous" Santa Ana winds are expected to return Wednesday, leading to more critical fire threat warnings.