As fall approaches the Northern Hemisphere, California’s wildfire season begins to ramp up.

Typically, after a dry and calm summer season, wildfire season begins during the months of September and October as the pressure gradients tighten and the Santa Ana winds build.

These gusty winds help to fuel and spread the fire which feeds off tinder, dry vegetation. The previous winter’s precipitation totals determine how much new vegetation grows.

After a near-normal to slightly above-normal winter season precipitation-wise across Southern California, officials are expecting a “normal” wildfire season according to the Los Angeles Times.

However, they are warning residents that wildfire season could turn nasty due to drying of the lush vegetation which has grown after abundant winter rains.

According to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, five major fires are already on going across the state with several others which have been contained.

The most dangerous of the fires is currently the Pala Fire which is located in San Diego County. This fire is threatening nearly 40 buildings, including 35 homes at the present time. Thankfully, this fire is only burning 300 acres and is over half contained as of Tuesday morning.

As the calendar turns to September and October and the Santa Ana winds pick up, residents will have to be on the lookout for additional wildfire development.

Fires can also be started by mountain and desert thunderstorms, which sometimes do not produce any rainfall. Instead, the cloud-to-ground lightning ignites patches of dry vegetation.

With multiple mechanisms in place to create a nasty season of wildfires, residents are urged to prepare now and have a plan of action ready if evacuation orders are issued.

Check back with AccuWeather.com over the coming weeks as we will keep you updated on the potential for wildfire development.