Eastside Fire and Rescue responders expect an active fire season this year, as firefighters have already seen several wildfires in the Sammamish area during this winter’s most recent dry period.

This winter has been a mix of persistent rain and long dry periods, which overall brings the Eastside area up to par for winter precipitation, according to the National Weather Service.

But there’s a good chance precipitation will be lower than average this spring, Weather Service Meteorologist Chris Burke said. This could persist into summer.

With this mind, Deputy Chief Bud Backer is already anticipating a busy fire season.

“When the conditions are right, it doesn’t take much of a spark,” Backer said.

The largest fire of the year so far burned about 1.5 acres in the 25000 block of Northeast Ninth Street at 2:48 p.m., March 4. No one was hurt.

Responders reported seeing 4-foot flames. The fire was contained by dusk, but crews returned March 5 to finish the mop up to keep an eye out for any smoldering trees or hot spots.

The King County Sheriff’s Office is still investigating the cause of the fire, but authorities suspect fireworks were in play.

Three fire engines, two brush engines, an all-terrain vehicle and an air rehabilitation unit, among others, responded to the March 4 fire.

The other fires also occurred during the last dry period, which was an 11-day stretch between Feb. 28 and March 10. There was a fire near East Lake Sammamish Parkway and Southeast 43rd Way, and another two on Highway 18 between State Route 167 and Interstate 5, Backer said.

Backer reminds people of burn regulations and basic safety precautions. Simple preventative steps, like keeping a bucket of water handy or having a plan to put out a fire, are some of the easiest ways to stop a fire from getting out of control before it can.

He also cautions against tossing cigarettes out the window.

Burning season ends in June.

For more information on burn requirements or how to obtain burn permit, visit http://www.eastsidefire-rescue.org.