Photo by AFP

(KPL/AFP) Powerful winds forecast for late Tuesday night (local time) threatened to whip up massive fires that are still burning around Los Angeles, possibly worsening a tragedy that has killed at least 25 people.

A week after blazes erupted and spread uncontained, forecasters predicted "particularly dangerous" Santa Ana winds would spike.

"Stay aware of your surroundings. Be ready to evacuate. Avoid anything that can spark a fire," the National Weather Service said, warning of gusts up to 70 miles (110 kilometers) an hour between 3am (1100 GMT) and 3pm (2300 GMT) on Wednesday.

Part of Los Angeles County and much of neighbouring Ventura County were in a "Particularly Dangerous Situation," according to the NWS, a designation that was in effect before last week's deadly blazes.

"All the plants and vegetation is really dry and ready to burn so... fires can grow pretty fast," meteorologist Ryan Kittell told AFP.

The Palisades and Eaton fires -- both of which are still burning in places -- could flare up, and new ignitions could quickly turn problematic, Kittell said.

Officials insisted they were poised for any renewed threats, particularly around the existing burn sites, after hydrants ran dry in the initial firefight.

"Please be assured that the Los Angeles County region is prepared," fire chief Anthony Marrone said.

"We have checked the water system in the Eaton fire area, and it is operational, meaning that we have water and we have pressure."

The renewed danger comes with 24,000 acres (9,700 hectares) of the upmarket Pacific Palisades in ruins and 14,000 acres (5,700 hectares) of the community of Altadena badly charred.

Gusting winds were also whipping up toxic ash, with health officials urging everyone to wear a mask.

"Ash is not just dirt," said Anish Mahajan of the LA County Public Health Department.

"It's hazardous fine dust that can irritate or harm your respiratory system and other parts of your body where it lands."

California Governor Gavin Newsom on Tuesday ordered debris removal teams to be on standby, as emergency managers look ahead to possible winter rainstorms that could provoke mudslides.

KPL