Dangerous winds returned to the region Tuesday as new wildfires broke out in San Diego and a pair of major Los Angeles-area blazes burned for a third week, while officials made preparations to protect scorched neighborhoods from toxic ash runoff ahead of potential rain this weekend.

A new wildfire expanded rapidly north of Los Angeles, growing to more than 5,000 acres and forcing more evacuations. Strong winds kept Los Angeles County on high alert. And some who lost their homes found themselves dealing with a new concern: having their identities stolen by criminals fraudulently applying for relief benefits.

The fires come as San Diego County mountains and valleys, along with other parts of Southern California, remain under a red flag warning.

The blazes ignited in San Diego County early Tuesday, keeping Southern California on edge as dangerous fire conditions persisted.

Two new fires ignited in San Diego County on Tuesday, as firefighters continue fighting blazes further north in Los Angeles.