CONCORD, Calif. (KRON) -- The Contra Costa County Fire Protection District is warning residents to prepare now as the East Bay heads into peak wildfire season. Worsening fire conditions are expected in the coming weeks. Temperatures reached the mid-80s in Concord on Monday, contributing to concerns about fire risk. Interim Chief Lewis Broschard with the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District noted the shift in weather conditions. "I don't want to say that it is the first day of summer, but it sure feels like it," Broschard said. Video: Tour bus engulfed in flames on 101 in Burlingame Battalion Chief Tom Zurflueh with the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District explained that early rains and warm temperatures have increased grass fuel loads across the county. Interim Chief Broschard also indicated that while some hills are currently green, that will change soon. "Some of our hills are still green. That will change in the coming weeks," Broschard said. During the summer, bulldozers and helicopters will be staffed around the clock to respond to remote emergencies. Two hand crews will also be available to cut fire breaks. Deputy Chief Chuck Stark with the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District detailed the staffing. "They're on a 12-hour schedule that puts them during the peak burning hours, but during redflag events or other weather events -- we can upstaff them -- bring in more people," Stark said. Firefighters are urging homeowners to reduce risks by clearing gutters and maintaining 30 to 100 feet of defensible space around their homes. Property owners are also reminded of upcoming weed abatement deadlines. The deadline for East County is May 15 and for West and Central County, it is June one. Interim Chief Broschard stressed the importance of managing weeds personally. "If you don't, then we will put a contractor on your property and we will abate it," Broschard said. He also warned of the financial implications for non-compliance. "The cost is about three to four times what it would cost if you got your own contractor. And, we will lien properties through the property tax system to ensure that we get paid," Broschard added. Residents should also ensure they have an emergency plan and exit strategy for their family. Signing up for county warning system alerts is also advised in case of an evacuation. All facts in this report were gathered by journalists employed by KRON4. Artificial intelligence tools were used to reformat information into a news article for our website. This report was edited and fact-checked by KRON4 staff before being published. ...read more read less