As the weather heats up, firefighters are preparing for the possibility of an intense and deadly wildfire season in Southern California.
Smaller fires have already ignited across the Inland Empire and plenty of dry brush and rising summer temperatures could create a deadly combination.
“Over the past three days, we’ve seen fires that have occurred in the valley, the high desert and in the mountains,” said Eric Sherwin with the San Bernardino County Fire Department.
The Stoddard Fire broke out on Tuesday afternoon near Stoddard Wells Road, located about 20 minutes north of Victorville.
The blaze had grown to nearly 500 acres by Wednesday night.
Earlier in the week on Sunday, crews battled a fire that ignited at Little Mountain in San Bernardino, a popular hiking area. Around 20 acres were scorched.
“While that was burning, we had a new start in Lytle Creek,” Sherwin recalled.
Sherwin said thankfully the two fires were relatively small but said they remain examples of just how quickly fires can ignite in dry Southern California weather.
With flames able to expand quickly under these conditions, firefighters remain concerned about having enough resources to tackle the blazes.
“Whenever we have multiple fires burning in relatively close proximity to each other, we are going to see a competition for resources,” Sherwin explained.
With the first day of summer approaching on June 20, rising temperatures mean more dry vegetation and a dangerous potential for large fires.
In 2023, three massive fires burned simultaneously in Riverside County, scorching thousands of acres and threatening nearby homes.
This past weekend, several fires broke out in the county as well, including in Norco, Lake Elsinore and Mead Valley.
The flames were quickly extinguished in each instance, however, fire crews said the consistency of new blazes is a sign of things to come in the summer months.
Many agencies like the Forest Service and CAL FIRE Riverside County are performing prescribed burns to remove dry vegetation that can become a hazard.
Although wildfires can happen year-round, peak wildfire season in California typically runs from June through late October or November.
Those who live in a fire-prone community should be prepared to evacuate in the event they are threatened by a wildfire.
“if you are in that area, be ready to evacuate if you need to,” advises Capt. John Clingingsmith Jr. from CAL FIRE Riverside County. “Have the essentials that you need — medications, computers, pictures.”
Some general items to pack in an emergency kit should include:
- Water (one gallon per person per day for several days, for drinking and sanitation)
- Food (at least a several-day supply of non-perishable food)
- Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert
- Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery
- Prescription medication
- Flashlight
- First aid kit
- Extra batteries
- Whistle (to signal for help)
- Dust mask (to help filter contaminated air)
- Plastic sheeting and duct tape (to shelter in place)
- Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties (for personal sanitation)
- Wrench or pliers (to turn off utilities)
- Manual can opener (for food)
- Local maps
For more information on how to prepare for a wildfire evacuation, including how to protect your home, visit CAL FIRE’s website or Ready.gov for more tips.