Well, the Santa Ana winds are katabatic winds. High pressure forms over the high desert basin, and low pressure over the coastal sea drawing the air from the land to the sea. The air flow is channeled through valleys and the narrow passes speed it up. As the air descends, it sheds moisture and gains heat, so by the time it hits coastal So Cal it is a dry hot and blasting wind. It's irritating, and if I fire starts, the flames are whipped up and sparks carry. A fire start and minutes later the better part of a block is on fire. If it really gets going and there's good dry fuel, fire tornadoes will spin forth. My rule of thumb was get the hell out of there. Don't let the fire box you in - get out. You have a good chance of surviving, but get out.

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