California's Corral Fire worries firefighters as climate change threatens to worsen fire season

The Corral Fire exploded across Northern California over the weekend, burning more than 14,000 acres, crossing major roads and prompting evacuations. falls on neighboring houses.

Local resident Daniel Perez remained on scene to assist first responders.

“The fire department put the hose in my pool,” he told CBS News. Perez said it appeared they stopped the fire at one point before flames suddenly came from another direction.

The fire, fanned by strong winds, destroyed its neighbors' house, although the elderly couple who lived there were able to evacuate safely. Perez's house was spared, but his garage and the memories it contained were not—memories like those wrapped in the comforter his grandmother made and used in his daughter's crib .

“It’s irreplaceable,” he said, adding that the loss was “devastating.”

While wildfires are nothing new in California, what has firefighters concerned is that the Corral Fire, which was about 75% contained Monday evening, occurred so early in the so-called fire season.

“For the most part, we don't call it fire season anymore. It's almost like there are no rules anymore,” said Cécile Juliette, CalFire public information officer.

As the climate warms, spring comes earlier, with higher temperatures, scientists say. This causes the snowpack to melt more quickly, drying out vegetation which in turn fuels fires.

“Having a fire that was over 14,000 acres in early June is a little eye-opening,” Juliette said.