California was lashed by powerful winds Wednesday that fed one fast-moving wildfire near multimillion-dollar properties along the Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu while hundreds of residents fled another fire farther north as forecasters warned of the potential for “extreme and life-threatening” blazes.

Southern California Edison has temporarily shut-off power in high-risk service areas across Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties — impacting approximately 38,016

The Pacific Coast Highway is closed in Malibu as firefighters respond to a wildfire driven by powerful dry winds.

Fire officials warned of a "particularly dangerous situation" in LA and Ventura Counties, the highest threat level. LOS ANGELES (CN) — High winds raked much of California and spurred a handful of wildfires Wednesday, including one in the wealthy seaside enclave of Malibu.

A “particularly dangerous situation” fire weather event is underway in California as dry air and strong winds combine to ramp up the risk of “life-threatening” and rapid wildfire spread.