High Fire Season Could be Lowered Next Week

After over 20 months of high fire season, there could be a downgrade due to enough wet weather in California.

The normal process is for over two inches of rain this time of year to drop the high fire season staffing and resources down for about five months. The record dry conditions in 2013-14 made that impossible.

Fire officials are testing brush for moisture content now that a solid storm has come through and changes could be announced soon. That would allow for burn permits to be issued.

Homeowners are urged to keep their week abatement up, especially if the rain triggers new growth.

Even with the rain, California remains in an exceptional drought status.

Many of the fires in California were on the northern end of the state. The California Department of Forestry says it responded to about 5000 fires this year.

Another storm is on the horizon for late next week. That could bring rain over a two day period starting Thursday.

NewsChannel 3 will have an update Monday about the status of fire season.