High temperatures causing issues for firefighters battling blazes throughout California

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Just as firefighters were beginning to contain an out-of-control wildfire raging in Riverside County-- another one started near San Bernardino Tuesday afternoon. Both fires are threatening structures and homes.

"Prep yourself for that go. When we say go, you need to go," said Capt. Chris Kemp, Cal-Fire Riverside.

So far this year more than 28,000 acres of land have been burned. Firefighters say scorching temperatures made already dry fuel-- even drier.

The 5,000 acre fire near Riverside County started when a car crash ignited the side of the road.

"It's gonna be a long summer, it started early, it's going to be long summer," said Kemp.

In Madera County, the heat caused a rapid spread of small brush fires along Highway 41 this week. Up near Sierra National Forest Bass Lake experienced its first wildfire of the year.

"It was challenging due to the fact it was far off the road, so trying to get the hose around the area-- it was challenging, and it was brushy," said Franny Adams, Sierra National Forest.

While the cause of many of these fires is still under investigation, firefighters said a significant amount of them are man-made and could have been prevented.

"These fires can start with anything, just a small spark can start a huge fire," said Adams.

The fire season this year is already worse than the last-- there have been 300 more incidents reported with about 2,000 more acres burned.