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.

As the L.A. fires rage, we’re reminded of movies, books and songs that speak to the city’s love-hate relationship with the forces that shape it.