CAL FIRE crews have responded to more than 120 new wildfires in the past four days as hot, dry and windy conditions plagued California during a week of destruction north of San Diego.
Of those 120 new fires, 10 are considered major incidents -- including several fires in San Diego County. The most active fire has burned more than 3,000 acres and destroyed at least three structures.
Containtment of the Cocos Fire as at 10 percent and evacuations remained in effect Friday morning as the fire fight entered its third day. A flare-up Thursday in the north San Diego suburb of San Marcos prompted more than 18,000 new evacuation notices as flames raced through tinder-dry brush on hillsides.
Most of the 120 fires to which CAL FIRE personnel responded this week were contained to small acreage. The fires ignited and spread quickly as the state endures a third-consecutive dry year that prompted the governor's office to add 300 seasonal firefighters as part of a Drought State of Emergency declaration.
The weekend forecast includes a drop in temperatures and increased humidity -- two good signs for firefighters.
"Winds have shifted across much of Southern California bringing wind onshore with cooler temperatures and higher humidity," according to a CAL FIRE statement. "This shift will aid firefighters in their battle to contain the remaining wildfires."
The winds are expected to decrease by Friday night.
