The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection is beefing up staffing for this year's fire season following an extremely dry winter.
Fifty-five seasonal firefighters were hired for Riverside County, 41 for San Bernardino County and 58 for San Diego County, Cal Fire spokesman Daniel Berlant said Tuesday.
This week's hiring wave is only the first round; a total of 2,400 seasonal firefighters will temporarily join the Cal Fire ranks to help support the 4,300 permanent staff members, Berlant said.
The department planned to start staffing airtankers in the region on April 22.
Cal Fire also asked homeowners to be prepared for fire season, posting fire-safety tips on its website.
Photo Credit: NBC 7 San Diego