Fire season officially starts in Monterey County, CAL FIRE responding to two wildfires

SALINAS, Calif. (KION) - The Hernandez fire in San Benito County and the Coast fire in Big Sur started right around what CAL FIRE calls fire season.

CAL FIRE says the last two years, fire season has been tame, but so far it looks like this year is going to be different.

"Last year, in the year before, we had slower than normal, fire seasons, and fire activity was moderated up and down the state. Part of that was just the weather. We stayed relatively wet all year, both of those years getting scattered rain, through early summer and into late fall. And, this year, we haven't had those late season rains which allowed the grass to cure and be ready, to burn," said Josh Silveira, Battalion Chief for CAL FIRE.

Laurie Fannin lives in Carmel she has lived through wildfires.

"We were one of the first ones to evacuate, and we were the last ones to get back on in, and. It was. It was one of those times. It was very tenuous. We didn't know. But, we are very grateful and very thankful for that, for the firemen," said Fannin.

Many firefighters say wildfire season is now a year-round thing.

Battalion chief Josh Silveira says there is a lot that goes into declaring fire season but it mainly has to do with fuel moisture.

And with all the thick dry grass, or what fire personnel CAL FIRE fuel, coating the Central Coast, theyre predicting a busier fire season.

"We are ramping up in prepared for, above. Above average activity for this time of year. That the winds and the extremely dry weather, are what we're concerned about as an agency," said Silveira.

CAL FIRE says despite the local unit responding to statewide fires, they have all the resources and fire personnel needed to fight the fires on the Central Coast.

Laurie says she and her neighbors are doing what they can to keep a defensible space on their properties.

"We, have worked directly with Firewise. We started the first chapter out in the village, and, we do everything we can to keep the community safe by living up, by making sure our property has, a good distance, to eat green space away from the house. And, just being watchful," said Fannin.

Both of those fires are still under investigation but CAL FIRE says both started in areas with dry grass.

CAL FIRE reminds you to make sure you have that defensible space around your home and always have a go bag ready if you are in a fire-prone area.