SAN JOSE (KRON) — Smoke billowed from a grass fire at Smith Creek in east San Jose on Wednesday. But unlike most fires, this one wasn’t cause for concern. It was set by firefighters, to give CalFire crews a chance to prepare for fire season.
In the past two weeks, 20 different fires have burned about 300 acres throughout the Bay Area.
Cooler temperatures and moderate humidity are helping a bit, but the grass is drying out quickly.
CalFire says these prescribed burns offer two different benefits. They help to get rid of thistle and other invasive species that tend to build up and contribute to the fuel loads. The scheduled burns also help to prepare firefighters for fires.