"Tall, green grass from late spring rains is quickly drying into a serious fire hazard in the Northern San Joaquin Valley and foothills.

Fire season is a late bloomer this year, said Karen Terrill, information officer for the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. But once here, it will pose bigger risks than usual, she warned.

Along with lush grass everywhere, the CDF is confronting a million-dollar cut in state funding. One casualty: 22 fire lookout towers are closed..."