With that heat comes dryness, and the combination of the two factors can lead to nasty blazes. A handful of grass, building and car fires have already destroyed property in Los Gatos this summer.

Whether accidental or intentional, fires are more likely at this time of year, and fire officials in Los Gatos and elsewhere are urging residents to prevent damaging fires.

County fire department operations Capt. Tom Tornell said that last year, fire crews responded to 75 fires in Los Gatos, 32 of which were during the June 1 to Nov. 1 fire season. Half of those were vegetation fires.

Though fire season usually ends at the beginning of September, Tornell said the weather ultimately dictates that.

"Last year it went until Nov. 1 because it was so dry and hot for so long," he said.

Christie Moore, public education officer for the county fire department, said dry, windy weather conditions and an increase in outdoor cooking are often causes of accidental fires. But there's another cause people may not think about.

"The incidence of fires caused by juveniles goes up during summer," she said. They "are set by kids that are bored, looking for things to do. They end up consequently causing fires."

Moore said parents need to make sure their children—especially those around middle school age—are supervised at all times and are warned about the dangers of playing with matches and fire.

Barbecuing also leads to a number of fires and injuries, most often due to spraying lighter fluid into an already lit fire or improper storage of propane tanks, which can explode.

"Make sure that the release valve works," Moore said of the tanks. "Try and keep them out of the sun—we've had those explode."

A fire that destroyed more than 64 homes near Shasta Lake last week was started by sparks from a lawn mower that ignited dry grass. Residents are advised to mow only live, green grass.

For additional information or educational materials about summer safety, visit the Santa Clara County Fire Department's website at www.sccfd.org or contact Moore at 408.341.4485.

Keep safe during fire season by following these additional safety tips from the Santa Clara County Fire Department and the California Department of Forestry:

* Trim any flammable vegetation back at least 30 feet away from your home. Use fire-resistant plant varieties wherever possible.

* Remove pine needles and leaves from roofs, eaves and gutters.

* Trim branches at least 10 feet away from chimneys or stovepipes and remove dead branches hanging over roofs.

* Do not discard used charcoal until you are sure it is completely extinguished.

* Do not throw cigarettes out of car windows.

* Use weed eaters, chain saws and other similar equipment only during cool times of the day, being careful not to let sparks hit dry grass.

* Make sure your address is visible from the street (using at least 4-inch-high numbers) so emergency vehicles can see it.