On what is supposed to be the hottest day of the year to date, Portland firefighters will begin patrols Tuesday of popular recreation areas like Forest Park.

Usually, crews start the patrols around the first of August, but because temperatures are heating up so quickly in Portland, this year they are getting a jump start.

Firefighters want to make sure as thousands of people make their way in and out of the park during the summer, they are being careful not to spark any fires as surrounding fuels dry up. They remind people as the mercury climbs to triple digits and humidity remains low, the potential for fire is even higher.

In addition to extra patrols, firefighters are also gearing up for wild land firefighting. They load an extra pair of lighter work boots, a lighter helmet and Nomex gear in all of their trucks to equip them to fight fire in hotter conditions.

Lt. Allen Oswalt with Portland Fire and Rescue says one of the biggest causes of fire this time of year is someone throwing a cigarette butt out a car window, or into the forest. If caught, that person can face fines, charges of throwing away burning material, as well as paying the costs of fighting the fire and restoring any structures that burn.