The continuing wave of triple-digit temperatures is ushering in increased fire danger in Northern California for the rest of the week and through Labor Day weekend.KCRA 3 spoke to fire agencies about why the fire risk is so high, how fire crews are preparing for potential fires, and what you can do to be careful outdoors.Why is the fire risk so high?Fire officials across the region are worried that the high heat, paired with the dry conditions, will spread fires easier. Sacramento Metro Fire Captain Parker Wilbourn said that it is especially concerning with many people expected to grill outside, including in the wildland areas, during the holiday weekend."With the conditions being so hot, we are on edge," Wilbourn said. "Sometimes it just takes that small spark, whether it be from a barbecue or a chain hitting the ground from a trailer or any open flame at a campsite, a small spark can create a very large wildfire that threatens our communities and threatens our homes.”How are fire agencies preparing for potential fires?Sacramento Metro Fire said it is calling in extra resources to be on standby, and many of those crews will be focusing on areas of concern. Wilbourn said that includes the land south of Highway 50 outside Rancho Cordova, and also the areas along the American River Parkway, such as River Bend Park. That is because those regions are filled with dry vegetation."It's the ingredients for a potential disaster, so we are fully staffed, and we will have our helicopter and dozers staffed, ready to go, just in case something happens," Wilbourn said.Cal Fire, the state's fire management agency, is taking similar steps. Cal Fire Battalion Chief Jon Heggie said after monitoring the weather conditions since the beginning of this week, additional crews and equipment are currently being deployed to areas across the state."Extra engine companies, extra air personnel — everything we need to be able to make an initial attack and try to keep those fires as small as possible," Heggie said. "We don't want them to get outside 10 acres, and we do that very successfully 95% of the time."Heggie said the all-hands-on-deck approach right now is expected to continue for several days."We'll reevaluate it after Monday, but we anticipate it to go at least through the holiday weekend," Heggie said.How to avoid fire risk outdoorsIf you plan on grilling outside, fire officials said you should always keep your eye on the grill you are using. Wilbourn said that it is also important to take proactive action whether you are grilling in a camping area or in your own backyard."If something were to happen, a spark goes, the barbecue catches on fire, be prepared," Wilbourn said. "Whether that’s having a hose line ready, a garden hose, a bucket of water — whatever you need — if you’re out in the park, just be ready for something to happen, just in case. It’s very easy to be proactive, and it can be very challenging to be reactive."KCRA's Fire Threat IndexKCRA 3’s weather team has developed a tool the team will be using to keep you informed as fire conditions change. It’s called the Fire Threat Index. This will give you an idea of the fire risk on any given day in different areas of our coverage region so you can plan ahead.The Fire Index will stay in the High category until cooler weather arrives next week.| Weather Resources | Important numbers for outages, more