With parts of Los Angeles County still smoldering from wildfires, the expected rain this weekend would seem like a welcome relief. But how the rain falls could make the difference between a disaster respite or a disaster repeat.

A new wildfire was reported today at 5:58 a.m. in San Diego County. The wildfire has been burning on private land. At this time, there is no data on the containment status of the fire and the cause has yet to be determined.

Less than two weeks after the Los Angeles County fires wreaked havoc, San Diego County was met with multiple brushfires.

At least 27 people have died in the Eaton and Palisades fires, the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner said Thursday evening. Seventeen of the deaths are from the Eaton Fire in Altadena and 10 from the Palisades Fire, according to the medical examiner.

Nine wildfires are currently burning across Southern California as of Friday morning, five of which ignited yesterday.

Firefighters have slowed the spread of a huge wildfire churning through rugged mountains north of Los Angeles where dangerous winds gained strength again.

Firefighters are battling a fast-moving blaze in southern California that has swelled over the past day, with authorities warning that Thursday is "the period of greatest concern". The Hughes fire, about 45 miles (72 km) north of Los Angeles,