Red flag warnings tell other agencies, like fire and transportation departments, that it's time to staff up and prepare to respond to fast-moving fires. But they're also intended to put the public on high alert.

That’s leading to the creation of mountain waves, which arise when strong winds blow perpendicular to a mountain range. The waves shoot down the coastal side of the mountains, gaining speed along the way, and are more casually referred to as simple Santa Ana winds.

Here's the latest update on the fires burning Southern California.