California wildfires putting strain on firefighting resources

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- All the wildfires around California are putting a strain on firefighting resources.

Cal Fire officials knew this would be a difficult summer because of the drought conditions. And right now crews haven't been able to catch much of a break with so many wildfires breaking out.

Fresno County Cal Fire crews have been battling blazes in every part of the state this summer.

A 17-member strike team with five engines is in Northern California fighting a wildfire in Mendocino County. But it is also prepared to head at a moment's notice to the rapidly growing boles fire near the town of Weed in Siskiyou County.

Ryan Michaels with Cal Fire said, "New fires have developed as others are winding down and so resources are being asked to leave one fire and head to new incidents as those escalate."

Hundreds of personnel are committed to the Courtney Fire in Madera County but with so many fires burning around the state, Fresno County crews and equipment have been constantly on the move.

Michaels added, "Our top fire resources are kind of used to it and are typically moved pretty dynamically up and down the state but some of these fires are pretty extensive in the amount of damage and destruction to homes. It requires extra personnel and commitment."

Fire officials are worried about more fires breaking out because of very hot and dry conditions.

Lynne Tolmachoff with Cal Fire said, "September and October are the two most worst months for fire season throughout the state. We're not seeing any rain. You can predict it but until it's here it's still very, very dry."

Right now 6,000 firefighters are on the front lines battling 12 different fires in California.

A red flag warning is in effect in the mountains and foothills of Los Angeles, Ventura and Santa Barbra counties. And a fire weather watch is in effect in Siskiyou, Lassen and Modoc counties.