If the winds have turned, can fires continue at an angle way they came?

[uppityperson]

I know that if the wind go back exactly opposite the fires will encounter burnt areas, but this warning gives me pause.

http://www.cbs8.com/
NEW: HIGHWAY 94 CORRIDOR EVACUATION ADVISEMENT
5:17 p.m. - Residents living along the Highway 94 corridor are being advised to prepare for evacuations. The turning onshore flow has moved the Harris Fire to the northeast, threatening structures from Jamul to the east and to the Jamacha community to the west.

[jody]

1. Wind direction determines how hot a forest/brush fire is around its perimeter. The head of a fire is

the hottest with the wind blowing toward the head.

[karlrschneider]

2. Fires will travel downwind, whatever the angle is.

...

[begin_within]

3. The winds do have an effect on the direction of the fire, but that's just one factor. Embers can

be blown by the winds up to a mile in advance of the fire itself, causing the fire to "leapfrog" over itself.

[uppityperson]

4. copying map you posted another topic, I was hoping I was just being concerned

[begin_within]

5. Since the Santa Ana winds have basically stopped, the fires are starting to move east

From Sunday through yesterday, the winds were blowing to the west and the fires were moving west. Now the winds have nearly stopped, and the fires are going the other way.

[uppityperson]

6. well dang it all anyways.

damn damn damn damn damn

[TheWraith]

7. Yes, they can. They can also go other directions. NT