Chief: California Wildfires May Signal Busy Season

Forest fire authorities say a series of a dozen small wildfires over the past two months may herald an active fire season this summer on the California coast.

Anthony Escobar, Los Padres National Forest fire chief, said this week that vegetation is extremely dry after a winter with exceptionally low rainfall, but there is still just enough moisture to combat blazes quickly and effectively.

However, he’s warning citizens to take extra precautions as spring advances into summer and vegetation dries out further.

Firefighters quashed the latest wildland fire on Friday afternoon after it burned 10 acres in Santa Barbara County.