Cal Fire has warned that record high March temperatures are accelerating snowmelt in the mountains, raising wildfire risk. The snowpack is melting faster than usual, meaning runoff that typically feeds rivers and plants later in the year is arriving earlier and beginning to evaporate sooner. The agency warned that less snow can lead to earlier drying and potentially leading to an increase in fire risk. Crews are already preparing for fire season, with prescribed burning being used to remove potential fire fuel.