Report: Wildfire season starting early in Southern California

Fire season is coming on early and coming on strong.

“We are experiencing mid summer in mid spring right now,” said Capt. Fernando Herrera with Calfire.

The lack of rain in April is bringing May wild fires.

“It’s a very volatile environment that we are in in Southern California,” said Fred Pena, US Forest Service.

It may even get worse. The National Significant Wildland Fire Potential Outlook says Southern California is at an above average risk for fires all summer long starting right now.

“There hasn’t been a lot of rain and brush crops are ready to go,” said Pena.

An example of of just how dry conditions are, homeowners in Yucaipa were using a lawnmower to try and clear out dry brush, but it quickly caught fire. Luckily firefighters were able to put it out before it spread.

Down the road, the Wabash fire closed lanes of I-10 and burned 28 acres very close to homes.

“I’m glad it’s out,” said resident Jay Rantz.

“You know what’s going to happen. It’s gonna dry winter, so they take care of it you, just hope they have enough crews to handle it when it’s this close to your house,” said resident Sue Yeoman.

Cal Fire says they do have enough fire crews, in fact they’ve already ramped up resources.

“We always prepare for this well ahead of time,” said Herrera.

If conditions get worse, Cal Fire will hire and train more firefighters.

“Every year is different. Is this the worst fire season? Who knows, we can’t predict that,” said Herrera.