"L.A.-Area Fire Danger 'About as High as It Can Be,' Forecaster Says"

"The fire danger in many parts of Los Angeles and Ventura counties is 'about as high as it can be,' a meteorologist warned Tuesday."

"Brush and other natural fuels are dry from a year without much precipitation, Santa Ana winds are blowing strong and humidity levels are often in the single digits, said Mike Wofford, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Oxnard. A red-flag warning signaling high fire danger is in effect until at least 6 p.m. Wednesday.

Strong winds early Tuesday felled a large tree that hit the administration building of Mt. Vernon Elementary School in San Bernardino."

Ari Bloomekatz reports for the Los Angeles Times January 14, 2014.