Officials issued evacuation orders in and around the Lake Castaic area, predominantly covering state park land. Evacuation warnings – signifying a potential threat to life and property – border the city of Santa Clarita,

Southern California is battling the Hughes Fire, which broke out around 11 a.m. near Lake Hughes Road, close to the 5 Freeway and Castaic Lake in Los Angeles County.

"A strong Santa Ana Wind event is expected to develop Monday and last through at least Tuesday," the National Weather Service said.

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.

According to AccuWeather, a storm sliding south along the California coast from Friday to Sunday could bring some much-needed rainfall.

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.

Intense flames were consuming hillsides near Castaic Lake, quickly spreading to cover 5,000 acres (2,000 hectares) in just over two hours.

The Santa Anas are expected to be most powerful Monday night into Tuesday. Fire services across the region say they are ready.

As wildfires continued to burn in Los Angeles, three fires broke out in San Diego County, prompting evacuation orders and warnings.

More wildfires started in Southern California on Tuesday night and Wednesday, as gusty Santa Ana winds continue to plague the state this week.

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