Designed to meet the standards set by the National Registry of Paramedics, the program maintains an exceptional 6:1 student-faculty ratio to ensure individualized instruction. The comprehensive 1-year program is fully funded by Riverside County, with the grant covering all expenses, including tuition, books, uniforms, labs, parking, and exam fees. MSJC plans to start a new cohort every six months, with funding secured for four total cohorts.

James Scholl, a retired Fire Captain/Paramedic with 27 years of experience in Emergency Medical Services (EMS), serves as the Program Director. Schol has been instrumental in expanding the EMT program at MSJC since joining the college in February 2023. Under his leadership, the EMT program has grown from 30 students to 87 across the San Jacinto and Menifee Valley campuses, with plans to expand to the Temecula Valley Campus in the future. The EMT program, which runs for one semester with cohorts starting in both fall and spring, serves up to 30 students per cohort. Completing the EMT program also provides students additional points toward entry into MSJC’s nursing, radiology, and diagnostic sonography programs. Approximately 50% of EMT students qualify for the Riverside County Regional Equity and Recovery Partnership (RERP) grant, which covers all expenses through October 2025.

Scholl highlights the impact of the EMT program, stating, “This program serves diverse needs and provides students the opportunity to start working immediately at a hospital, fire department, or with an ambulance service. It is a clever way for students to find out if the medical field is the right fit for them.”

Speaking on the new Paramedic Program, Scholl expressed his excitement: “Our paramedic program will fill a void in Southwest Riverside County, where there is high demand from private companies and fire departments. Upon graduation and passing the exam, our students will be making a livable wage. This is a dream come true for me. When I retired from the fire department, this was my dream—to build this program from the ground up. To say I am passionate about it is an understatement.”

For more information on the upcoming Paramedic Program or the EMT program at MSJC, visit MSJC’s official website or contact the San Jacinto Campus.

####

For further information, please contact:

Andie Pasolini
Director of Public Information, Marketing, & Strategic Communications
apasolini@msjc.edu
Office: (951) 487-3060
Cell: (951) 768-4713

About Mt. San Jacinto College

Mt. San Jacinto College (MSJC) is a comprehensive community college serving a 1,700-square-mile area from the San Gorgonio Pass to Temecula, with campuses in San Jacinto, Menifee Valley, Temecula Valley, and San Gorgonio Pass. MSJC offers courses and programs that satisfy the transfer requirements of four-year colleges and universities.

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HEMET FIRE DEPARTMENT PROPOSED BUDGET FY22/23

FUNDING SOURCES:

• General Fund $11,606,400

• Measure “U” $ 4,989,900

• Measure “U” Fund Balance $ 400,000

• CFD $ 329,100

• ARPA $ 2,000,000

• AMR Penalty Fees $ 70,000

TOTAL $19,395,400

Improve Fire’s 3 Bureaus and Administrative Support

• Fire Administration

• Operations/Emergency Medical Services

• Fire Prevention & All Hazards Services

• Support Services

• INNOVATIVE REVENUE

• STATE HOMELAND SECURITY GRANT (SHSGP)

• COUNTY HAZARDOUS OPERATIONS GROUP (CHOG) $67,000

• CERT $ 9,801

• PART-TIME ADMINISTRATIVE VOLUNTEER

• ASSISTS WITH COST RECOVERY AND FIRE PREVENTION

SWORN STAFF

Positions FY/19/20 FY/29.21 FY21/22 FY/22/23 (Proposed)

• Fire Chief: 1 – 1 – 1 – 1

• Deputy Chief: 0 – 0 – 0 – 1 Proposed

• Fire Battalion Chief: 3 – 3 – 3 – 3

• Fire Captain: 15/14 – 12 – 15 – 15

• Fire Engineer: 15 – 12 – 15 – 15

• Fire Fighter (PM): 21/18 – 17 – 15 – 18 Proposed

• Fire Prevention Officer: 0 – 1 – 1 – 2 (Proposed

TOTAL 55/51 46 50 55

ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF

Positions FY19/20 FY 20/21 FY21/22 FY/22/23 Proposed

• Emergency Services Coordinator: 1 – 1 – 1 – 1

• EMS Coordinator: 0.5 – 0.5 – 0.5 – 0.5

• Administrative Assistant: 1 – 1 – 1 – 1

• Office Specialist: 0.5 – 0.5 – 0.5 – 1 Proposed

• Managerial Analyst: 0 – 0 – 0 – 1 Proposed

TOTAL: 3 – 3 – 3 – 4.5

SUMMARY OF FY 22/23 PERSONNEL REQUESTS

‘GENERAL FUND’

• (1) FIRE DEPUTY CHIEF $ 348,300

• (1) MANAGEMENT ANALYST $ 137,600

• (5) INCREASE PART TIME FULL OFFICE 45,500 SPECIALIST

• (3) FIREFIGHTER PARAMEDICS $ 492,600

• (1) FIRE PREVENTION OFFICER $ 141,000

• PEAK DEMAND OT $ 245,000

TOTAL $1,410,000

FY/22/23 CAPITAL EXPENDITURE REQUESTS

ARPA

• FIRE STATION UPGRADES

• ADDRESS CRITICAL ISSUES

• REPLACE ANTIQUATED STATION ALERTING SUBTOTAL $2,000,000 AMR Penalty Fees

• Tablet Command Incident Software $ 70,000 Internal Services Savings

• Mobile Radio Upgrade Program $ 247,000

TOTAL CAPITAL EXPENDITURES $2,317,100

MEASURE U EXPENDITURE HISTORY

Personnel

• Captains (3)

• Firefighter Paramedics (8)

• Battalion Chiefs (3)

• Squad Staffing to support rising

• EMS responses (OT)

• Funded (2) Public Safety

• Dispatchers and (1) Call Taker

• Increased Support personnel hours

• Emergency Services Coordinator to Full-Time (1)

• Increased hours of Emergency Medical Services Nurse

• Coordinator (96/m0)

• Part-Time Office Specialist (0.5)

Capital Equipment

• Replace aging fire apparatus (3)

• Upgrade VHF radio system

• Establish back up system

• Utility Vehicles (3)

• Personal Protective Equipment

• Add 6th Dispatch Console

Live Fire Training Facility

MEASURE “U” ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Personnel

• Captains (3)

• Firefighter Paramedics (8)

• Accomplished: Reopening of Fire Station 5

• Staffing of Squad I

• 100% ALS Paramedic Service

• Battalion Chiefs (3)

• Accomplished:

Formal Command Staff increased operational capacity.

• Funded (2) Public Safety Dispatchers and (1) Call Takers.

• Handle rising requests for service over 18,000 in the past Fiscal Year.

Increased support personnel hours

• Emergency Services Coordinator to Full-time (1)

• Planning and preparation of city wide emergencies

• Training of local residents and establishing CERT

• Increased hours of Emergency Medical Services Nurse Coordinator (96/mo)

• Continuing Education to paramedics

• Liaison with local hospitals

• Improved quality of care

• Part-Time Office Specialist (0.5)

• Weed abatement Program

• Cost Recovery Program

Capital Equipment

• Replace aging fire apparatus (3)

• Over 2.4 million

• Upgrade VHF radio system

• Establish back up system

• Over 2 million (combined police & fire)

• Fire Training Center Construction $600,000+

• Provide a dedicated training ground for new hires and current employees

• Live Fire Training

• Utility vehicles (3)

• Off-road capable

• Training/out-of-county responses

• Squad response vehicle

• Personal Protective Equipment (over 100 sets of gear)

• Add 6th Dispatch Console

• Increased capacity to handle calls for service

Future Plans

• All Hazards Incident Response Vehicles Medic Patrol concept that allows for quick medical response and small fire suppression

• Ability to patrol neighborhoods during wildfires

• Off-road capable for access to technical rescues

Communication Upgrades

• Expand current communications capabilities

• PSEC capable mobile radios in all fire apparatus

• Emergency Medical Services Technology

• Leverage the latest technology to deliver optimum patient care

• Apparatus Replacement

• Truck Company (Approaching 15 years in age)

• Engine Companies (2016 apparatus)

• Hazardous Materials Response Trailer

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Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire Department responded to reports of a structure fire around 11:24 p.m. Apr. 11, on Waimea Way, where the first arriving engine found a bedroom fully involved in fire.

The fire was quickly suppressed by fire personal.

Two people were transported by American Medical Response paramedics with smoke inhalation including one off-duty Cal Fire/Riverside firefighter.

The fire is being deemed arson according to Riverside County Sheriff’s PIO due to a call for service a few hours prior to the start of the fire for a subject in the house yelling at others in the residence.

One dog did not survive the fire and another dog was picked up by family. Red cross was called upon to help the residents.

Key News | Contributed

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The Riverside County Fire Department responded on the crash around 1:24 p.m. in the area of Juniper Flats Road and Highway 74.

Upon arrival, they located two children with significant injuries from the crash.

Afterwards, a medical helicopter arrived to transport one of the juveniles to a nearby hospital.

Meanwhile, the other child with moderate injuries was transported with a ground ambulance.

At this time, the circumstances surrounding the rollover crash remain unclear.

Homeland Officials are investigating the incident.

When involved in a serious rollover crash, reach out to the experienced lawyers at Sweet James. With their extensive experience in the legal field, they know what it takes to win your case. Their attorneys and professional legal team have dealt with a variety of cases including personal injury and wrongful death.

Call them at (800) 975-3435 to arrange your free consultation with an experienced legal professional in your area. For your convenience, they are also available through email, text message, and online chat 24 hours a day and 7 days a week.

Riverside County | Contributed

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“We are very involved,” Director of Public Safety Brian Herritt said. “Officers drop in daily to interact with the children. We do the fire drills, a call 9-1-1 campaign, Red Ribbon week, stranger danger training and others.” DPS School Resource Officer (SRO) Andrea Helms and two security officers on staff work specifically in the schools and are supported by the Department of Public Safety.

“Officer Helms coordinated the drills and did an outstanding job,” Herritt said.

Helms said her role as the lead campus resource officer was to ensure the safety of the students and staff during the fire drill.

“Working with all age groups I must adapt the procedures and information to the appropriate age level, still getting the same result of having the students and staff arrive to the designated safe place in an appropriate time frame,” Helms said.

She said the most important lesson to be learned is to remember to remain calm and listen to the person who is in charge of giving the directions.

“Overall, we try to make it routine on what to do during a fire drill,” Herritt said. “When the alarm sounds or when we need everyone to leave the building, we want them to be comfortable and know what to do.”

Amber Lopez, who is the preschool’s office manager, said the “kids did amazing” and teaching the children those important drills is very helpful.

With all the recent headlines about local wildfires that families are sure to hear about, Herritt said it’s important for parents to keep certain things in mind if something happens while their child(ren) are away at school.

“Don’t rush to the school. Chances are you’re not going to be able to pick up your kids. We have a system and will notify you where to reunite with your children,” Herritt said, adding that it is important to make sure the schools have accurate contact information for parents and guardians. He also suggests all families download the Soboba app, which is frequently used for community announcements and notifications.

“Be open to talking to your kids and ask them if they have any questions,” Herritt said, adding that sometimes after the kids have participated in a fire drill at school, they want to know what to do when they are at home. “At Soboba, we are blessed to have a very collaborative relationship with our Fire Department, school and our tribal administration,” Herritt said. “We are always working together to provide quality services to our community.”

Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians | Contributed

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GREENVILLE, Calif. (AP) — California’s largest single wildfire in recorded history continued to grow Wednesday after destroying more than 1,000 buildings, nearly half of them homes, while authorities in Montana ordered evacuations as a wind-driven blaze roared toward several remote communities.

The dangerous fires were among some 100 large blazes burning across 15 states, mostly in the West, where historic drought conditions have left lands parched and ripe for ignition.

The east end of Northern California’s massive Dixie Fire flared up on Tuesday as afternoon winds increased, fire officials said.

Burning through bone-dry trees, brush and grass, the fire has destroyed at least 1,045 buildings, including 550 homes, in the northern Sierra Nevada. Newly released satellite imagery showed the scale of the destruction in the small community of Greenville that was incinerated last week during an explosive run of flames.

The Dixie Fire, named after the road where it started on July 14, by Wednesday morning covered 783 square miles (2,027 square kilometers) and was 30% contained, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. At least 14,000 remote homes were still threatened.

The Dixie Fire is the largest single fire in California history and the largest currently burning in the U.S. It is about half the size of the August Complex, a series of lightning-caused 2020 fires across seven counties that were fought together and that state officials consider California’s largest wildfire overall.

The fire’s cause was under investigation. Pacific Gas & Electric has said it may have been sparked when a tree fell on one of its power lines.

California authorities arrested a man last weekend who is suspected in an arson fire in remote forested areas near the Dixie Fire.

The 47-year-old suspect was charged with setting a small blaze in Lassen County, which is among the counties where the larger blaze is burning, around July 20.

In southeastern Montana, communities in and around the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation were ordered to evacuate as the uncontrolled Richard Spring Fire grew amid erratic winds.

The order included Lame Deer, where people who fled the fire early Tuesday had sought shelter, only to be displaced again that night when the fire got within several miles. The town of about 2,000 people is home to the tribal headquarters and several subdivisions and is surrounded by rugged, forested terrain.

Also ordered to leave were about 600 people in around Ashland, a small town just outside the reservation with a knot of businesses along its main street and surrounded by grasslands and patchy forest.

No homes were reported destroyed, Rosebud County Sheriff Allen Fulton said. Two homes caught fire Tuesday but were saved, including one near Lame Deer. Sheriff’s deputies used fire extinguishers on the flames and a passing fire helicopter dropped a bucket of water to put it out, Fulton said.

Heavy winds were forecast to return to the area on Wednesday, and authorities were concerned that the fire would again advance toward Ashland and Lame Deer.

The flames came right up to a subdivision outside Ashland along the Tongue River and were within several miles of the town by Wednesday morning.

Powerful gusts Tuesday caused the blaze to explode across more than 230 square miles (600 square kilometers) as the fire jumped roads, creeks and fire lines created in an attempt to prevent it from growing. It was 0% contained Wednesday morning.

Heat waves and historic drought tied to climate change have made wildfires harder to fight in the American West.

Scientists have said climate change has made the region much warmer and drier in the past 30 years and will continue to make the weather more extreme and wildfires more frequent and destructive. The fires across the West come as parts of Europe are also enduring large blazes spurred by tinder-dry conditions.

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GREENVILLE, Calif. (AP) — California’s largest wildfire exploded again after burning for nearly three weeks in remote mountains and officials warned Tuesday that hot, dry weather would increase the risk of new fires across much of the state.

Firefighters saved homes Monday in the small northern California community of Greenville near the Plumas National Forest as strong winds stoked the Dixie Fire, which grew to nearly 400 square miles (1,036 square kilometers) across Plumas and Butte counties.

“Engines, crews and heavy equipment shifted from other areas to increase structure protection and direct line construction as the fire moved toward Greenville,” the state Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, known as Cal Fire, said Tuesday morning.

Evacuations were ordered for the community of about 1,000 people as well as for the east shore of nearby Lake Almanor, a popular resort area. About 3,000 homes were threatened by the blaze that has destroyed 67 houses and other buildings since breaking out July 14. It was 35% contained.

Crews contended with dry, hot and windy conditions “and the forecast calls for the return of active fire behavior,” Cal Fire said.

Similar weather was expected across Southern California, where heat advisories and warnings were issued for interior valleys, mountains and deserts for much of the week.

Heat waves and historic drought tied to climate change have made wildfires harder to fight in the American West. Scientists say climate change has made the region much warmer and drier in the past 30 years and will continue to make weather more extreme and wildfires more frequent and destructive.

More than 20,000 firefighters and support personnel were battling 97 large, active wildfires covering 2,919 square miles (7,560 square kilometers) in 13 U.S. states on Tuesday, the National Interagency Fire Center said.

Dry conditions and powerful winds made for dangerous fire conditions again on Tuesday in Hawaii.

Firefighters gained control over the 62-square-mile (160-square-kilometer) Nation Fire that forced thousands of people to evacuate over the weekend and destroyed at least two homes on the Big Island.

About 150 miles (240 km) west of California’s Dixie Fire, the lightning-sparked McFarland Fire threatened remote homes along the Trinity River in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest. The nearly 25-square-mile (65-square-mile) fire was 5% contained Tuesday.

In southern Oregon, lightning struck parched forests hundreds of times in a 24 hour-period, igniting 50 new wildfires as the nation’s largest blaze burned less than 100 miles (161 kilometers) away, officials said Monday.

Firefighters and aircraft attacked the new fires before they could spread out of control. No homes were immediately threatened.

Oregon’s Bootleg Fire, the nation’s largest at 647 square miles (1,676 square kilometers), was 84% contained and is not expected to be fully under control until Oct. 1.

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BLY, Ore. (AP) — Firefighters in Oregon reported good progress in the battle against the nation’s largest wildfire, while authorities canceled evacuation orders near a major blaze in Northern California and another on Hawaii’s Big Island.

Containment of the Bootleg Fire in remote southern Oregon was up to 84% late Sunday. It was 56% contained a day earlier.

“That reflects several good days of work on the ground where crews have been able to reinforce and build additional containment lines,” fire spokesman Al Nash said.

The blaze has scorched over 646 square miles (1,673 square kilometers) since being sparked by lightning July 6 in the Fremont-Winema National Forest.

California’s Dixie Fire covered nearly 388 square miles (1,005 square kilometers) in mountains where 42 homes and other buildings have been destroyed.

The fire was 33% contained Sunday evening, and evacuation orders and warnings had earlier been lifted for several areas of Butte and Plumas counties.

The cause of the blaze was still under investigation.

Authorities warned that with unpredictable winds and extremely dry fuels, the risk of flare-ups remained high.

In recent days, lightning sparked two wildfires that threatened remote homes in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest. Evacuation warnings remained in place Sunday for communities along the Trinity River.

In Montana, a wind-driven wildfire destroyed more than a dozen homes, outbuildings and other structures, authorities said Sunday. Evacuations were ordered after flames jumped a highway and moved toward communities near Flathead Lake in the northwestern part of the state.

Crews also battled major blazes in northeast Washington and northern Idaho.

Nearly 22,000 firefighters and support personnel were battling 91 large, active wildfires covering 2,813 square miles (7,285 square kilometers) in mostly western states, the National Interagency Fire Center said.

A historic drought and recent heat waves tied to climate change have made wildfires harder to fight in the American West. Scientists say climate change has made the region much warmer and drier in the past 30 years and will continue to make weather more extreme and wildfires more frequent and destructive.

The U.S. Drought Monitor reported last week that while a robust monsoon has delivered drought-easing rainfall to the Southwest, critically dry conditions persist across Northern California and the Northwest, where there has been an expansion of “exceptional drought,” the worst category.

Dry conditions and powerful winds made for dangerous fire conditions in Hawaii. A wind advisory was issued Sunday for portions of Lanai, Maui and the Big Island.

A fast-moving wildfire on Hawaii’s Big Island grew to 62.5 square miles (101 square kilometers), prompting mandatory evacuation orders. Those orders — which forced thousands of residents out of their homes — were lifted Sunday evening. However, authorities told residents to remain alert.

“County officials ask all residents of the affected areas to only return home if absolutely necessary,” Hawaii County spokesperson Cyrus Johnasen said in a statement. “Smoke and other conditions may make returns unsafe for those with prior and underlying respiratory conditions.”

Local media reported at least two homes had been destroyed. Two community shelters were open for residents who weren’t able to return home, the Hawaii Red Cross said.

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INDIAN FALLS, Calif. (AP) — California’s largest wildfire merged with a smaller blaze and destroyed homes in rugged and remote areas, as numerous other fires burned across the U.S. West.

The Dixie Fire had already leveled over a dozen houses and other structures in Northern California when it combined with the Fly Fire and tore through the tiny community of Indian Falls after dark Saturday.

An updated damage estimate was not available Sunday, though fire officials said the blaze had charred more than 301 square miles (779 square kilometers) of timber and brush in Plumas and Butte counties. It was 21% contained.

The fire prompted evacuation orders in several small mountain communities and along the west shore of Lake Almanor, a popular resort area. More than 10,000 homes were under threat, officials said.

Firefighters also reported progress against the nation’s largest wildfire, the Bootleg Fire in southern Oregon, containing 53% of the blaze that had scorched 640 square miles (1,657 square kilometers) of land.

The lightning-caused fire has burned 67 homes, mainly cabins, and at least 2,000 houses were under evacuation orders.

Firefighters have been dealing with perilous fire behavior, with flames consuming huge areas of vegetation each day. Such conditions are often from a combination of unusual random, short-term and natural weather patterns heightened by long-term, human-caused climate change. Global warming has made the West much warmer and drier in the past 30 years.

In southwest Montana, officials were focusing on structure protection for three fires amid weather forecasts of rising temperatures, low humidity and westerly winds this week, factors that could produce explosive growth.

Crews were trying to protect about 200 homes and cabins and prevent the 44-square-mile (144-square-kilometer) Trail Creek blaze from reaching the Big Hole National Battlefield in Beaverhead County, fire spokesman Jason Nedlo said. The battlefield site, operated by the National Park Service, has been closed because of the fire threat.

Five federal firefighters were in stable condition Sunday after being burned when swirling winds blew a lightning-caused wildfire back on them in eastern Montana on Thursday. The five were building a defensive line at the Devil’s Creek Fire in Garfield County when the weather shifted suddenly.

Elsewhere in California, the 105-square-mile (272-square-kilometer) Tamarack Fire south of Lake Tahoe continued to burn through timber and chaparral and threatened communities on both sides of the California-Nevada state line. The fire, sparked by lightning July 4 in Alpine County, California, has destroyed at least 23 buildings, including more than a dozen in Nevada. It was 45% contained.

In north-central Washington, firefighters battled two blazes in Okanogan County that threatened hundreds of homes and again caused hazardous air quality conditions Saturday. And in northern Idaho, east of Spokane, Washington, a small fire near the Silverwood Theme Park prompted evacuations Friday evening at the park and in the surrounding area. The theme park was back open Saturday with the fire half contained.

More than 85 large wildfires were burning around the country, most of them in Western states. They had burned over 1.4 million acres (2,135 square miles, or more than 553,000 hectares).

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PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — More people living along the eastern edge of an Oregon wildfire were told to evacuate late Thursday as the inferno once more began spreading rapidly and erratically in hot afternoon winds and a nearby, smaller fire gained a foothold.

The Bootleg Fire, the largest wildfire currently burning in the U.S., has now torched an area larger than New York City and has stymied firefighters with erratic winds and extremely dangerous fire behavior. Some of the evacuations were triggered by a second, smaller fire called the Log Fire to the northeast of the main blaze that expanded to 500 acres (202 hectares) in the past 24 hours.

The main fire has destroyed 21 homes in an area north of the Oregon-California border that’s been gripped by extreme drought. It was 7% contained as of Thursday, when authorities decided to expand previous evacuation orders near Summer Lake and Paisley. Both towns are located in Lake County, a remote area of lakes and wildlife refuges with a total population of about 8,000.

“We’re trying to determine where is it moving, how far and how fast, to determine what to do with evacuation levels,” said Gert Zoutendijk, spokesman for the Oregon office of the State Fire Marshal. “The big word is for everyone in Lake County to be aware and start getting signed up for the alert system if they have not already.”

On Wednesday, the Bootleg Fire generated enormous smoke columns that could be seen for miles — a sign that the blaze is so intense it is creating its own weather, with erratic winds and the potential for fire-generated lightning.

Meanwhile, a fire near the northern California town of Paradise, which burned in a horrific 2018 wildfire, caused jitters among homeowners who were just starting to return to normal after surviving the deadliest blaze in U.S. history.

Chuck Dee and his wife, Janie, returned last year to Paradise on the foothills of California’s Sierra Nevada to rebuild a home lost in that fire. So when they woke up Thursday and saw smoke from the new Dixie Fire, it was frightening, even though it was burning away from populated areas.

“It made my wife and I both nervous,” he told The Associated Press in a telephone interview.

The Dixie Fire was tiny when it began on Tuesday, but by Thursday morning it had burned 3.5 square miles (9 square kilometers) of brush and timber near the Feather River Canyon area of Butte County northeast of Paradise. It also moved into national forest land in neighboring Plumas County.

There was zero containment and officials kept in place a warning for residents of the tiny communities of Pulga and east Concow to be ready to leave.

The Dixie Fire is part of a siege of conflagrations across the West. There were 71 active large fires and complexes of multiple fires that have burned nearly 1,553 square miles (4,022 square kilometers) in the U.S., mostly in Western states, according to the National Interagency Fire Center.

Extremely dry conditions and heat waves tied to climate change have swept the region, making wildfires harder to fight. Climate change has made the American West much warmer and drier in the past 30 years and will continue to make weather more extreme and wildfires more frequent and destructive.

In the Pacific Northwest, firefighters say they are facing conditions more typical of late summer or fall than early July.

A wildfire threatening more than 1,500 homes near Wenatchee, Washington, grew to 14 square miles (36 square kilometers) by Thursday morning and was about 10% contained, the Washington state Department of Natural Resources said.

About 200 firefighters were battling the Red Apple Fire near the north-central Washington city renowned for its apples. The fire was also threatening apple orchards and an electrical substation, but no structures have been lost, officials said.

In Paradise, California, about 80 miles (129 kilometers) north of Sacramento, residents are focused on rebuilding. So far, 1,642 building permits have been issued with 923 homes completed, according to the city’s website. The skyrocketing cost of lumber has complicated some projects, but Dee said he was fortunate to get his bid in place before the prices rose.

The Dees’ rebuilt house is a little smaller than the original one, and with a different floor plan — and this one was constructed with fire retardant siding. A local law also prohibits wooden fences from touching the houses.

The couple hope to move in once they get their utilities hooked up. In the meantime, they’re living in an RV. They said they don’t regret moving back, having accepted that fires will be part of life in this part of California.

“We can’t wait to get back in this house and get started,” Chuck Dee said.

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