Smoke from multiple L.A. fires could reduce air quality across Southern California if wind direction shifts. SAN DIEGO COUNTY, Calif. — As multiple fires burn across Los Angeles County, meteorologists said hazardous smoke could drift south through Orange County and into San Diego County at times.

The fierce Santa Ana winds that stoked a blaze that scorched thousands of acres near Los Angeles will wallop San Diego County early Wednesday, in the start of what forecasters say could be a week or more of off-and-on lashings in a region that’s drier than it’s been in years.

The apocalyptic and deadly wildfires ravaging Southern California remain extremely volatile Thursday as a terrifying third day of a critical fire weather threat grips much of Los Angeles County.