The Santa Clarita Valley has received less than half the rainfall expected since October, which is a concern for local firefighters, they said.

Normal rainfall amounts for this time period are just over 15 inches of rain. But only around six inches of rain has fallen, according to meteorological data.

“The lack of rain is a concern for the upcoming fire season,” said Inspector Sal Alvarado with the Los Angeles County Fire Department.

Even though Santa Clarita hasn’t received much rainfall this year to bring new green vegetation back, there are plenty of locations with brush that haven’t been burned recently, officials said.

“Areas such as Santa Clarita, Malibu, Lancaster, Palmdale and the foothills are always on our radar,” said Alvarado.

Related: Santa Clarita And Southern California Headed Toward Another Drought

The LACoFD is set to meet with different agencies in the next few months to discuss the upcoming fire season, and is set to decide when the super scoopers will return to Los Angeles, from Canada.

During the summer, the fire department is prepared to have all available resources ready during red flag warning days, according to officials.

“Whether there’s a lot or a little vegetation, when the temperatures rise and the wind starts blowing, engines and patrols will be over staffed and different strike teams will be made and stage in high fire danger areas like Santa Clarita,” said Alvarado.

A fire engine strike teams consist of five fire engines and a battalion chief to coordinate them.

On top of having all available fire engines and patrols ready to battle brush fires, the LACoFD is also set to have their three Sikorsky Blackhawks and five Bell 412 helicopters available for aerial attacks on any flames that pop up in the Santa Clarita area.

However it is unclear if the two new Sikorsky Blackhawk helicopters that were purchased last July will be ready in time for the summer, according to fire officials.   

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