Sacramento Firefighters Preparing For Busy Fire Season

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) — Firefighters are preparing for the worst during a hot and dry summer in California.

A wet winter and hot spring have created a dangerous scenario for both rural and urban communities.

The Sacramento Metro Fire Department and supporting agencies are conducting a joint exercise to prepare for a long, hot and dry summer.

"We see wildland fires all summer long," Capt. Michelle Eidam said.

A vast-open field in a rural part of Rio Linda provided plenty of fuel for training.

"We've had a wonderful amount of much-needed needed rain this year the grasses are still here after so many years of our historic extreme drought," she said.

The seasoned professional firefighters are fully equipped to handle just about any challenge.

Fire officials are warning now's the time to take action and clear vegetation and even pine needles left over from the drought lurking beneath the deceiving green appearance.

"Even though it's green there's a lot of dead fuel that is sitting inside there. That fire is going to spread," she said.