High winds and lack of rain are the main factors driving the Southern California fires, but climate change is altering the background conditions, increasing the likelihood of these fires, say experts.
Researchers have shown that a warming world increases the number of "fire weather" days, when conditions are more suited to outbreaks of fire.
California is particularly vulnerable right now because of a lack of rain in recent months, following a very warm summer.
The powerful Santa Ana winds that naturally occur at this time of year, combined with the dry conditions, can result in fast moving and dangerous fire outbreaks.
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