California fires live updates: At least 10 fire-related deaths, medical examiner says

California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection Battalion Chief Brent Pascua told "Good Morning America" Wednesday that the "extreme fire activity" and winds of the Palisades blaze is unlike anything he had ever seen.

"For the local residents that may be in the area that are thinking about evacuating, if it's a thought, I would say do it," Pascua said. "The earlier the better. Have that go bag ready, have that emergency plan ready with your family and execute it so you're all safe."

Extreme and "erratic" Santa Ana winds of up to 40 mph are exacerbating the situation, Pascua said. "That makes this fire fight extremely difficult," he added.

The winds, Pascua added, are "spreading fire faster than our crews can get in front of it. Our most important priority is life safety. We're trying to get everyone out of the way. That way we do not have anyone hurt or killed."

Asked if he had ever seen such conditions, Pascua replied, "I have not."

"I have seen a lot of Santa Ana fires get up to 40, 50 miles an hour," he continued. "Last night I saw light poles being blown over, utility poles being blown over just from the wind, not even from the fire."

A damaging Santa Ana wind event is set to continue through to Wednesday afternoon coinciding with several growing wildfires in the Los Angeles County area.

Wind gusts of up to 99 mph were recorded in the eastern San Gabriel Mountains, 98 mph in the Santa Monica Mountains and 84 mph at Hollywood Burbank Airport.

An "extreme" fire warning is currently encompassing Malibu, Burbank, Simi Valley and San Fernando. A "critical" fire danger extends to the east of San Diego.

Los Angeles and Orange Country are subject to "Particularly Dangerous Situation" red flag warnings until 4 p.m. PST Wednesday.

Relative humidity levels also remain below 10% in the area. Los Angeles recorded its sixth driest October to December period on record to close out 2024.

Winds are expected to weaken and relative humidity to climb from Thursday into Friday.

-ABC News' Max Golembo

The Hurst Fire in Sylmar had expanded to 500 acres as of 1:50 a.m. PT, per an update from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.

The fire northeast of San Fernando was at zero percent containment, Cal Fire said, with the cause of the blaze still under investigation.

-ABC News' Marilyn Heck

Vice President Kamala Harris said her "heart goes out to all those being impacted by the devastating wildfires in Southern California."

In a Wednesday morning statement, Harris said she and her husband "are praying for our fellow Californians who have evacuated and we are thinking of the families whose homes, businesses and schools remain in harm's way."

"We are deeply grateful for the heroic first responders who are risking their own safety to fight the flames and help keep communities safe," Harris added.

The vice president said she had been briefed on the situation and was receiving "regular updates" on the fires. "I am also urging residents in the affected areas to listen to local officials, remain vigilant and evacuate immediately if told to do so," she added.

The White House is "committed to ensuring that no community has to respond to this disaster alone," Harris said, noting the mobilization of federal resources to suppress the fires and assist those affected.

"As a proud daughter of California, I know the damage that wildfires have on our neighbors and communities," Harris said.

"I also know that the impact is often felt long after the fire is contained. As we respond and as Californians recover, I will ensure that our administration is in constant contact with state and local officials."

-ABC News' Justin Gomez