It's a sight and sound homeowners along the bluffs in Northwest Fresno have become accustomed too.
“Since March we have already had 60 brush fires, which is 200 percent more than last year," said Koby Johns with the Fresno Fire Department.
This time it's a drill, but four years ago when Kay Whittens deck went up in flames it wasn't.
"Really devastating to comeback and find what was your deck is gone and the house next door had burned to the ground," said Whittens.
Four years ago little else remained where I’m standing besides the burnt out shell of a home. Flash forward four years and the Whittens are building a brand new garage, but one thing that has not changed is the dry grass just steps away.
"Our biggest concern are the houses at the top of the bluff. A couple years ago we lost a multimillion dollar house at the top of the bluff, we just didn't have enough resources to get to it," said Johns.
Firefighters hope this time around it's different but admit budget cutbacks have left them fewer resources. Whitten says she isn't taking any chances, keeping her brush trimmed back and eyes open for any smoke. But despite the risk she says moving isn't an option.
"We love it here, we love the wildlife, it’s quiet and peaceful," said Whitten.
“Since March we have already had 60 brush fires, which is 200 percent more than last year," said Koby Johns with the Fresno Fire Department.
This time it's a drill, but four years ago when Kay Whittens deck went up in flames it wasn't.
"Really devastating to comeback and find what was your deck is gone and the house next door had burned to the ground," said Whittens.
Four years ago little else remained where I’m standing besides the burnt out shell of a home. Flash forward four years and the Whittens are building a brand new garage, but one thing that has not changed is the dry grass just steps away.
"Our biggest concern are the houses at the top of the bluff. A couple years ago we lost a multimillion dollar house at the top of the bluff, we just didn't have enough resources to get to it," said Johns.
Firefighters hope this time around it's different but admit budget cutbacks have left them fewer resources. Whitten says she isn't taking any chances, keeping her brush trimmed back and eyes open for any smoke. But despite the risk she says moving isn't an option.
"We love it here, we love the wildlife, it’s quiet and peaceful," said Whitten.