As the relentless Santa Ana winds sweep through, a new fire threat emerged in Jurupa Valley, leaving residents on edge and firefighters racing against time.

The Clay fire broke out in the riverbed of the Santa Ana River in Jurupa Valley just before 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 21.

Several counties in Southern California faced "critical" fire risks this week, according to an AccuWeather forecast.

Southern California Edison has initiated several Public Safety Power Shutoffs in Riverside County due to the elevated risk of wildfires.

A rare Particularly Dangerous Situation warning has been issued for Southern California as a powerful and potentially damaging Santa Ana wind event​ is expected.

The Santa Ana winds are dry, powerful winds that blow down the mountains toward the Southern California coast. The region sees about 10 Santa Ana wind events a year on average, typically occurring from fall into January. When conditions are dry, as they are right now, these winds can become a severe fire hazard.

Jurupa Valley fire crews battled a brush fire in the Santa Ana River ... by 7 p.m., according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection and the Riverside County Fire Department.

Critical fire conditions are expected to continue through Friday. But rain could be on the way this weekend. Here's what to know.

One of the biggest stories of 2025 thus far has been the wildfires in California. A common occurrence in that state, wildfires are often fueled by a combination of drought and terrain. The terrain allows for the development of Santa Ana winds that cause any fire to spread very quickly.

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, Calif. - A fire broke out in Jurupa Valley as the Santa Ana winds continued to linger around Southern California.

The Santa Anas are expected to be most powerful Monday night into Tuesday. Fire services across the region say they are ready.

Santa Ana winds return to Southern California from Monday to Tuesday, once again raising fire danger concerns.