The gusty winds that helped spread multiple wildfires gradually subsided on Wednesday afternoon, but dry conditions mean less potent winds could still be dangerous. More strong winds are expected later Thursday.

Four wildfires fueled by ferocious winds are now scorching thousands of acres in Southern California, with zero containment as of Wednesday morning. At least two people were reported dead in Los Angeles County and more than 80,

It is not yet known what sparked the wildfires, although power cables blowing in the wind are a likely cause. But three factors made the conflagration blow up. We explain.