Cal Fire has battled 875 fires since January
For Cal Fire that means bringing on more firefighting resources earlier in the year to make sure teams are ready for a potentially challenging season ahead.
Watch report: Cal Fire hiring more firefighters and inspectors
“Already we’re seeing a huge increase in the number of wildfires, even on weeks where we’re getting a little bit of rain. Right behind that rain are warm temperatures, which dry things back out. That's when we start to see the fires pick back up,” said Cal Fire spokesperson Daniel Berlant.
Since the beginning of January, Cal Fire has battled 875 fires, which burned 2,350 acres.
By comparison, the same period in 2013 only saw 300 fires, with 1,050 acres scorched.
“So this has been a very busy year. As we move into the more typical, summer-like months, the likelihood for fires is just going to get higher,” Berlant said.
On Monday, the agency will do what it normally does in mid-May: Hire and train dozens of firefighters in the Sacramento region and roughly 300 across the state.
They’re paid for by the state drought emergency fund.
“I think it’s absolutely necessary,” said Davis resident Ellen Lange. “I’m very, very concerned about (the dry conditions) and it’s necessary that they really keep the brush under control.”
“I think it’s a good thing, especially with some of the management stuff they’re trying to do -- prescribed burns and things like that,” said Auburn resident Dave Carder.
Cal Fire is continuing to hire inspectors, who are ensuring homes in high-risk areas are maintaining at least 100 feet of defensible space.
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