Los Angeles firefighters braced for intense winds that could fuel two monstrous wildfires that have already killed two dozen people, leveled entire neighborhoods and scorched an area the size of Washington,

Dangerous Santa Ana winds are expected to return to the Los Angeles area this week, potentially fueling the growth of new and existing wildfires, according to FOX Weather.

As the L.A. fires rage, we’re reminded of movies, books and songs that speak to the city’s love-hate relationship with the forces that shape it.

The winds fueling Southern California wildfires form when a high-pressure system develops over the Great Basin in Utah and Nevada

Santa Ana winds occur when air flows west from a region of high pressure over the dry Great Basin to lower pressure off the California coast, According to Accuweather. As that cool interior air flows over and through mountain passes, it accelerates, sinks and compresses.

Forecasters expect strong Santa Ana winds to return to the Los Angeles area this week with gusts up to 70 miles an hour in some places, putting firefighters in a race against time to control massive blazes that have killed 24 people and destroyed more than 12,

The National Weather Service warns to “stay on guard for a fast-moving fire,” as winds may challenge containment efforts. Follow live updates on the Palisades, Eaton and other fires.

Firefighters are getting a much needed break today as Santa Ana winds developed later and weaker than originally expected, but forecasters warn strong gusts are still possible into Wednesday. The National Weather Service had originally issued a “Particularly Dangerous Situation” red flag warning that was expected to take effect at 4 a.

Wildfire risk continues across Southern California less than a week after devastating fires swept through the region.