FRESNO COUNTY, Calif. (KMPH) -
Firefighters here in central California are on guard because of the hot triple digit temperatures, especially those who work in the forests, where fires tend to burn hottest.
Some are concerned intense and deeply destructive "super fires" could break out like the ones currently burning in Colorado.
The most important thing, clear away the bush at least 100 feet around your home.
Many are taking the extra safety measures after at least one U.S. Forest Service scientist working out of the Davis, California station predicts super fires are inevitable for northern or central California.
He says the vegetation is so dry and the temperature is so hot that the entire region has perfect conditions for a major wildfire to burn out of control.
You don't have to go too far outside the city of Fresno to see how dry the conditions are.
Cal Fire Chief John Dominguez says, "Here in California 11 of the top wildfires Cal Fire has responded to have been in the last decade. So year after year we have the potential for a major wildfire in California statewide."
The reason, heavy rain and snow fall during the last two seasons, especially during the 2010 season, has created extra thick vegetation.
The rain created fuel that has now dried up and ready to feed a massive fire.
Mary Novack is the keeper of the Minkler Cash Store at the base of the foothills.
She knows all too well the importance of clearing away debris at least 100 feet around her home and business.
Mary Novack says, "At the higher elevation you really need to do a better job. Keep your trees nice and high so when a fire does happen it doesn't set things off.
Data from the U.S. Forest Service shows since the 1980s there has been an increase in both the size of fires and the acreage burned.
Locally Cal Fire crews are handing out citations to property owners that have dry grass that is too high.
