EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation is keeping a close eye on what's happening out west, in case local firefighters are needed to help fight the flames in California. "We don't know what's going to happen next," Chief Fire Warden Dave Celino told 12 News. RELATED: Wildfires burn out of control across Los Angeles Celino said there are major differences, but also some similarities with what's happening out in California, and the hundreds of brush fires that burned across Southern New England last fall. For example, the fires in the Bay State did not threaten homes the way the blazes in the Los Angeles county have. Videos show entire neighborhoods destroyed. However, Celino said both regions dealt with gusty weather conditions, which helped the fires spread. "The alignment that they're facing is just the perfect alignment for a disastrous, catastrophic event," Celino said of the conditions in California. Multiple fires were burning out of control in the Los Angeles area Wednesday night, killing at least five people and sending tens of thousands fleeing. Celino and his crews are part of a national system that groups wildland firefighting resources by region, to help in the event of a major incident. "We've sent crews to California in the past," Celino said. "A lot of times we end up in northern California in that rugged country." There are no plans right now to send Bay State firefighters to California, Celino said. Those who live closer would be the first to go, before crews in New England were called up. MORE: Celebrities among thousands evacuated due to wildfires According to Celino, fighting flames like those in LA County is hard to do with current weather conditions, including low humidity levels and the seasonal Santa Ana winds gusting up to 100 miles an hour. "The firefighters are ready to go, but there's only so much you can do," Celino said. "Once those winds ease, you'll see some improvement in containment numbers. It's even difficult to use aircraft in the situation they're in with the high winds." Celino also said fire officials across the country, including in New England, will be paying attention to what's happening out west, taking any lessons learned and applying them to their own preparations and procedures. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily Roundup SIGN UP NOW