Santa Ana winds will continue whipping through Southern California through Thursday, sparking fears that progress made fighting wildfires that have scorched over 40,000 acres and left 28 dead could be reversed and more blazes could break out.

The blaze has burned just over 14,000 acres near Pasadena. It is 89% contained. This fire has burned 80 acres in San Diego County and is 30% contained. Jacey Fortin The Friars fire burned a few acres in San Diego’s Mission Valley neighborhood Tuesday afternoon,

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Parched Southern California was forecast to face more dangerous winds on Wednesday but could get some badly needed rain this weekend, dampening the prospects of another round of deadly wildfires though even a small amount of precipitation could could create new challenges like toxic ash runoff.

As winds across the Southern California area are calmer than their peak and firefighters are making progress, the threat to the fire-weary region remains with Santa Ana winds expected to continue in the coming days.

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

Millions of California residents were placed under a red flag warning through Thursday amid threats of further fires with looming winds in the forecast, according to multiple reports.

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