Parts of the Southwestern United States, including California, could face above-normal danger of significant wildfires this summer, according to the National Interagency Fire Center's summer outlook.
The report released Thursday said wildfire risk will be high in inland Southern California in July and in parts of Northern California during August and September. The state is coming off one of its wettest winters in years, which left hillsides covered in grass and other vegetation.
That grass will dry out this summer and turn into tinder, providing fuel for rapidly spreading fires often pushed by strong winds.
The report noted what could be a delayed start to the wildfire season in some locations.