The blaze has burned just over 14,000 acres near Pasadena. It is 89% contained. This fire has burned 80 acres in San Diego County and is 30% contained. Jacey Fortin The Friars fire burned a few acres in San Diego’s Mission Valley neighborhood Tuesday afternoon,

After months of dry, windy conditions contributing to deadly wildfires in Southern California, the parched region is finally set to receive much-needed rain this weekend, which is good news for firefighting but presents a new danger of flash flooding and mudslides.

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.

By David Swanson CASTAIC, California (Reuters) -A rapidly growing wildfire broke out some 50 miles (80 km) north of Los Angeles on Wednesday, burning 5,054 acres (20 square km) while two major fires burning in the metropolitan area for more than two weeks were getting under control,