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.

The Hughes fire has burned through 3,407 acres since it started late Wednesday morning, according to local officials.

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.

Updating maps of Southern California show where wildfires, including the Palisades and Eaton fires, are burning across Los Angeles.

By David Swanson and Daniel Trotta CASTAIC, California (Reuters) -A new wildfire that broke out north of Los Angeles on Wednesday rapidly spread to more than 8,000 acres (32 square km), fueled by strong winds and dry brush,

As winds across the Southern California area are calmer than their peak and firefighters are making progress, the threat to the fire-weary region remains with Santa Ana winds expected to continue in the coming days.

Smoke quickly filled the skies over Southern California on Wednesday as a new wildfire, dubbed the Hughes Fire, rapidly grew to more than 5,000 acres, video shows.

Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley said that the fire department has deployed all available resources and positioned fire patrols and engines in high-risk areas across Los Angeles.

More wildfires started in Southern California on Tuesday night and Wednesday, as gusty Santa Ana winds continue to plague the state this week.

Parched Southern California could get some badly needed rain this weekend to dampen the prospects of another round of killer wildfires.