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High Winds, Dry Conditions A Prelude To Busy Fire Season

SACRAMENTO COUNTY (CBS13) — High wind across the valley fueled multiple fires on Wednesday.

Just two weeks into fire season, firefighters say it's already shaping up to be a more active fire year than last year.

"We're starting to reach a point where fuels are dry and humidities are going to be lower," said Capt. Chris Vestal with Sacramento Metro Fire.

From Jan. 1 to May 27 of last year, Cal Fire saw roughly 1,200 fires statewide. But during the same time period this year, the state saw 1,400 fires.

On Wednesday afternoon, multiple fires fueled by 30 mile-per-hour winds in Contra Costa County burned 500 acres. Those winds also made a Sacramento County fire on Zinfandel and Douglas a challenge to contain.

"[Wind] dries out vegetation faster than would normally occur," Vestal said.

And as temperatures climb toward triple digits, Vestal says we can expect to see more and more grass fires flare up.

"This winter because of the pattern of rainfall with warmer weather, there were two growing cycles for vegetation," he explained.

And that gave brush in the area time to grow and multiply.

"What we could have is areas where we thought could have limited vegetation, there's actually going to be a full range of vegetation this year," he said.

Vestal had a familiar message for California homeowners:

"Don't have fuels right up against your home," he warned.

And make it a priority to create defensible space before fire season revs up.

"Give us a chance to protect your home," Vestal said.

Right now, Cal Fire says the number one firestarter is equipment. So if you plan to use a lawnmower to cut the grass, it's best to do it the morning when it's more humid and not so hot.

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