California fires could burn throughout summer

It's a scary thought for California residents, but if the 1000 plus fires now burning throughout the state are not brought under control soon, they could end up burning all summer long.

The months of September and October are usually the worse of California's fire season after vegetation has dried out over the summer. July and August are traditionally hot and dry months, but the forecast is for this year's drought to continue through the summer making things even more precarious.

California has suffered drought for several years so vegetation is already tinder-dry, and with each passing week more moisture is sucked from trees and brush. July 4 is the celebration of American independence when many people buy and ignite firework displays. These often include illegal explosive fireworks.

With hot and windy conditions forecast, the problem could get worse if more fires are sparked by the fireworks.

Thu Jul 3, 12:00 AM ET

A firefighting air tanker drops fire retardant south of Isabella Lake, California. California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger on Wednesday ordered the evacuation of about 200 homes in the fire-threatened coastal resort of Big Sur as 1,400 wildfires raged out of control across parts of the state.

(AFP/Getty Images/David Mcnew)