At least 28 people are believed to be dead and more than a dozen others remain unaccounted for as multiple wildfires rage across Southern California.

Six wildfires are burning in Southern California, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire). Earlier this month, two significant wildfires ignited in Los Angeles and quickly grew to encompass thousands of acres.

Several counties in Southern California faced "critical" fire risks this week, according to an AccuWeather forecast.

California leaders have promised a speedy rebuilding process after the fires. But experts say neighborhoods must be built differently to avoid future fires.

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.

Officials ordered evacuations in the area surrounding the Hughes Fire on Wednesday morning, located near Castaic Lake in Los Angeles County.

As President Donald Trump returned to office, many congressional Republicans and conservative pundits have mused about possibly forcing California leaders to change state policies to receive federal disaster money. The state is still grappling with deadly wildfires that have killed at least 28 people and destroyed nearly 15,800 structures.

Offramps along Interstate 5, a major north-south artery, were closed as flames raced along hilltops and down into rugged canyons.

On Monday, LA Mayor Karen Bass said that the city was prepared to respond to any new fires, but warned that the Santa Ana winds could kick up ash from previous fires. The airborne ash could not only make the air in some areas toxic, but the high winds could also carry that ash to other communities in Southern California.

Following arrests of alleged firefighter impersonators, officials say two more people have been taken into custody for using fake passes to unlawfully enter a fire evacuation zone.

Some schools destroyed years ago in the Sonoma and Butte county fires are just now reopening. The long, expensive process of rebuilding in LA may eat up much of the money voters approved in November for school repairs statewide.