In preparation for what is expected to be a busier than normal fire season the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection is adding more fire fighters to their ranks.

CAL FIRE will hire nearly 100 additional seasonal firefighters that will be stationed from Shasta County down to Santa Cruz County. The department started filling positions Monday, several months earlier than normal.

“The rain in March was needed, but the drought continues to have a strong hold on California,” said Chief Ken Pimlott, CAL FIRE director. “With temperatures back on the rise, so is the potential for large wildfires.”

The additional hires will allow CAL FIRE to train additional seasonal firefighters and staff more equipment in Shasta, Trinity, Tehama, Glenn, Butte, Santa Clara, Alameda, Contra Costa, San Mateo, and Santa Cruz counties in advance of the fire season.

“Over the last several months we have seen an unseasonable number of wildfires across Northern California,” said Chief Doug Wenham, CAL FIRE northern region chief. “Our weather forecast continues to show an increased potential in Northern California for large wildfires.”

Between Jan. 1 and April 5, CAL FIRE has responded to approximately 900 wildfires that have charred nearly 2,400 acres. In an average year for the same time period, CAL FIRE would typically respond to fewer than 340 wildfires for just over 1,000 acres.

To learn more about applying to CAL FIRE visit http://calfire.ca.gov/about/about_careers.php.