The N.C. Forest Service is warning North Carolinians to be prepared for wildfires and take the necessary steps to help prevent any natural disasters.

Exceptionally dry weather has targeted Southern California so far this winter, creating ideal conditions for wildfires.

The National Forest Service warned that smoke from planned burns could be visible as far as Interstate 17 near Flagstaff.

The National Weather Service said three-day rainfall totals ... scenario,’’ pointing out that, “historically, wildfire-driven suburban conflagrations follow humans, drought, and wind.’’

The warnings come as firefighters continue to battle two major blazes in the Los Angeles area, the Palisades and Eaton fires.

San Diego's dry conditions greatly increased the risk for wildfires. “We’ve been experiencing extreme fire behavior throughout Southern California as many have seen," said Rob Johnson, public information officer for CAL Fire.

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.

Rainfall could cause mudslides in area burned by wildfires, with officials warning residents of toxic material from debris and ash.

It could rain for many hours each day in the middle of next week as a storm takes a swing through Southern California, forecasters say.

Fueled by powerful winds and dry conditions, a series of ferocious wildfires erupted the second week of January and roared across the Los Angeles area.

South Carolina's wildfire season peaks between late winter and spring. This season could be an active one. Weather can make wildfires a lot worse. Let's review.

Jan. 22, 10:30 a.m. PST Cal Fire data marked the Palisades Fire at 68% containment and the Eaton Fire at 91% containment, listing no other active fires in Los Angeles as a red flag warning is in effect for much the region until Friday evening.