Santa Ana winds to raise Southern California fire danger

LOS ANGELES (AP) — More than 200,000 utility customers in Southern California face the possibility of having their electricity shut off to prevent wildfires as Santa Ana winds develop. Red flag warnings took effect Wednesday and are expected last through much of Friday. Forecasters say the strongest and potentially damaging gusts are expected from Wednesday night through Thanksgiving morning. Southern California Edison has cut power to more than 8,000 customers and is considering shutting off more than 150,000 others. San Diego Gas & Electric is considering blacking out more than 53,000 customers. Power shutoffs are intended to prevent fires from igniting if winds damage electrical equipment or blow debris into wires.