Santa Ana winds are whipping Southern California on Tuesday, sparking fresh fears that progress made fighting wildfires that have scorched over 40,000 acres and left 27 dead could be reversed and more blazes could break out.

Forecasters warn that dangerous winds will buffet Southern California for at least two more days as new wildfires broke out and a pair of major Los Angeles-area blazes burned for a third week.

Nearly two weeks after the start of two of the most devastating wildfires to hit the Los Angeles area, Southern California is under an extreme fire risk warning again.

As wildfires continued to burn in Los Angeles, three fires broke out in San Diego County, prompting evacuation orders and warnings.

Windy and dry conditions will continue across Southern California, raising the risk of new wildfires sparking as firefighters continue to battle two major blazes in the Los Angeles area that started in similar weather nearly two weeks ago.

"A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now, or will shortly," the NWS said.