Wildfire season off to an early start in California
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — Wildland fires have burned 90,000 acres in California so far this year, and fire officials say they are prepared and fully staffed as summer continues to unfold.
In San Diego County there have been 36 wildland fires since January, according to Cal Fire. That’s more than the county saw this time last year.
“We are seeing a lot of activity,” said Fire Capt. Mike Cornette with Cal Fire.
On Father’s Day alone crews tackled three fires.
Brush fire erupts near homes in Tierrasanta
“I think this fire season will be more active,” added Cornette.
As the temperatures continue to get warmer throughout the summer, the grass and vegetation gets drier, creating a perfect fuel source for fires.
“The grass creates a receptive fuel bed and that means any time a spark or ember gets into it, it can sustain fire,” said Cornette.
The Post Fire in Los Angeles County was more than 15,000 acres large and 50% contained as of Thursday. Meanwhile, the Sites Fire in Northern California was at 19,000 acres charred.
“95% of fires are human caused and 100% of those are preventable,” Cornette continued.
He advises to always have an evacuation plan in place, just in case.
Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News.
