New drought conditions across the North State are signaling the start of fire season in the region.
Data from the U.S. Drought Monitor shows “moderate drought” conditions in parts of Lassen, Plumas, Modoc, Siskiyou and Del Norte counties.
Meanwhile, the rest of far Northern California isn’t far behind. It’s nearing drought conditions and considered “abnormally dry.” According to the monitor, this level of dryness has historically signaled the start of an active fire season, increased stress on crops and soil moisture, and minimal snowpack.
The update comes as the North State enters what fire officials and climate experts say could be a severe wildfire season.
At a recent wildfire preparedness press conference, Cal Fire Deputy Director Joe Tyler said the same areas flagged by the drought monitor could be among the first to see increased fire risk.
“The fire potential is expected to increase into the summer, with above average fire activity largely predicted to start in Northern California and moving south,” Tyler said.
Officials say that’s due to very low mountain snowpack levels caused by hot weather and months of below-average precipitation.
The state’s final manual snow survey of the season found snowpack levels at 18% of average.
Residents are urged to prepare now by packing a go-bag, signing up for emergency alerts, knowing evacuation routes and hardening their home against fire.
