The California Department of Forestry began staffing all 10 of its fire stations in Santa Cruz County on Monday.
Officials said 45 seasonal workers have been hired in preparation for what is anticipated to be a busy fire season.
The Santa Cruz Mountains are still largely green and lush from winter rains -- all which will make potential fuel for fires as they dry out. Fire officials would not speculate as to how all the rain will affect the fire season.
"There is no science. Right now we won't predict how the winter rains, or lack of rain thereof, will affect the occurrence of fire in fire season," CDF spokesman John Ferreira said.
One thing they will predict is that CDF crews will be well-prepared and well-trained when a fire breaks out.
"We spent all last week training and getting prepared, going over everything we do when we go over fires, brushing up on our medical and getting everyone in the mood to fight fires over the summer," CDF spokesman Matthew Conway said.
Forty-five new seasonal firefighters report for duty this week -- fires or not.
"This permits us to do more training and focus on other things to better prepare ourselves," CDF spokesman David Opfergelt said.
Fire officials said homeowners living near open land need to do their part to manage brush, and hikers and campers also need to guard against fire for the risk to really be reduced this fire season.
CDF recommends clearing vegetation 100 feet from homes, including overhanging branches.
Learn more: www.fire.ca.gov
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