Historically dry conditions keep fire risk high

This year's fire season has proven to be a destructive one, and CalFire officials are warning Californians of the wildfire threat due to extreme dry conditions still exists.

High temperatures, low rainfall and dry conditions have combined to create the potential for large fires in many parts of the state.

"California has already experienced a significant increase in fire activity this year," Chief Ken Pimlott, CalFire director, said in a statement. "CalFire crews remain prepared to respond to wildfires, but we are asking the public to take steps to help prevent fires during this unusually dry fall."

Already this year, CalFire has responded to more than 5,300 wildfires — 1,300 more than last year and nearly 20 percent more than average.

From these fires nearly 130,000 acres burned, which is 75,000 more than last year.

In August the Rush Fire charred 271,911 acres in Lassen County on land managed by the Bureau of Land Management, making its way into the record books as the second larges wildfire in the state's history.

Historically, California experiences it's largest and most damaging wildfires in the late fall months.

CalFire is asking all residents to ensure they are prepared for wildfires with a wildfire action plan that includes an evacuation plan.

"Unfortunately many evacuees don't prepare what to take and where to go, and it's often too late to remember those items when a wildfire strikes," CalFire authorities stated.

To learn more on how to be prepared for a wildfire, visit www.ReadyForWildfire.org.