California firefighters prepare for raging flames and a growing pandemic

With high temperatures and high winds, California firefighters will soon face their first significant battle against forest fires, but they will also have to deal with the uncertain terrain caused by the coronavirus.

Per Covid-19's security procedures, California fire officials tell CNN that they will reduce the size of the generally bustling base camps, where hundreds of city, state and federal agency engines gather under contract agreements. mutual aid to fight major fires.

"For every big wildfire we build a base camp, our own mini city, so there are a lot of staff in confined spaces," said Capt. Erik Scott of the Los Angeles Fire Department. "It is a possible breeding ground for the coronavirus."

It is not uncommon to see 100 firefighters walk through a food line in twenty minutes at base camps. Given the tight spots, Cal Fire Battalion Chief Lucas Spelman says his agency will stagger meals and provide firefighters with packed lunches.

"I always like to think of us as catering," said Spelman. "This is how we eat, like that buffet style. And so as we go there, obviously we need to keep our distance."