Look at this unreal footage of the Rim Fire in Yosemite, California, taken from the cockpit of an Air National Guard plane:

Hot and dry weather conditions are well-known risk factors for forest fires. A majority of the forest fires are caused by a combination of these conditions and careless human activity. 

Officials expect some regions of the country like California to be at a higher risk for forest fires than usual due to low moisture and rising temperatures.

Here are some tips to keep top of mind when choosing a site to start a fire:

• Check to see if open fires are allowed in your area.
• Choose an area with an abundance of rocks and sand and little vegetation.
• Do not start a fire underneath low hanging branches or nearby bushes.
• Have plenty of water nearby in case the fire gets out of hand.
• Keep the fire small.
• Never wander away from a fire; it should be watched and kept under control at all times.

-JK