Firefighters said they learned important lessons during the Cedar Fire nearly three years ago, lessons that have paid off in the past week when a series a fires flared up.
While wildfires around the state have been burning out of control, flames in San Diego on Monday were put out before they before they could do any major damage.
From the air and on the ground, firefighters in San Diego are attacking flames like never before as part of a new policy that is being credited with keeping fires in the last week from raging out of control.
"We've been a little more aggressive with fires," said California Department of Forestry spokeswoman Roxanne Provaznik.
In the past, firefighters would send a small number of crews to check out reports of a fire and then send in more crews if needed -- but that policy has changed dramatically.
"We're just sending everything, and if we need to turn them around, it's easier than trying to start them later," Provaznik said.
Provaznik said that even though the dry brush and other current conditions in the county are perfect for a bad fire season, the CDF now has more resources at its disposal. One reason the CDF is in such better shape is because the governor allotted more money to train firefighters in the past few weeks. As a result, there are more fire crews on the front line.
Firefighters were called into action last week when a fast-moving wildfire in Pine Valley charred nearly 50 acres in a short time but was quickly extinguished.
Some residents told NBC 7/39 that they can see the results of the expanded resources and new policy.
"Lots and lots of fire trucks, lots of guys and equipment," a woman told NBC 7/39.
"During the Cedar Fire, I remember watching the fire come up over the hill, and there wasn't one firefighter or one bucket of water," said another resident.
"We're not taking any chances," Provaznik said.
There have been fewer fires this year than last year, according to firefighters. With thunderstorms in the forecast this week, though, there are concerns that lightning strikes could quickly erase that deficit.
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