More Than 2,000 Wildfires Reportedly Blackening California

With much of California bracing for triple-digit temperatures and gusting winds this coming weekend, conditions unfortunately appear ideal to add more fuel to an already frightening early start to the summer fire season.

This week's start of summer is going to provide plenty of heat across the Western United States. By Sunday, thermometers will likely surpass 100 degrees in cities such as Boise, Sacramento, Reno, and Salt Lake City, according to data provided by weather.gov.

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Ways to reduce the likelihood of wildfires include making sure truck and trailer chains aren't dragging on roadways, cigarettes are not carelessly discarded, campfires are safeguarded, and illegal fireworks are not used.

Both small and large fires are currently burning throughout the west, but California is getting hit particularly hard as a reported 2,103 blazes are being met head-on by firefighters across the state. That figure includes fires over 10 acres in size.

The largest blaze in California, the Post Fire, is measuring at close to 16,000 acres and burning in the mountains northwest of Los Angeles, according to CALFIRE. The Excelsior Fire in Sacramento County is also proving to be a headache for state fire crews.

Ways to reduce the likelihood of wildfires include making sure truck and trailer chains aren't dragging on roadways, cigarettes are not carelessly discarded, campfires are safeguarded, and illegal fireworks are not used.

Crews creating defensible spaces along highways are also taking place as fire season preparation continues. Downed trees from winter are still being cleared and limbs near power lines are being removed across the west to further protect communities against the threat of destructive fires. Please drive with caution when approaching areas where this type of work is being done.