SACRAMENTO – (INT) – Generous widespread rains have ended the autumn wildfire season.

The lack of hot, dry Santa Ana winds helped to limit the number and size of fires especially in Southern California.

CalFire has shifted to wintertime staffing levels. 5,000 fulltime firefighters remain on duty to respond to emergencies.

Elsewhere, areas of Riverside County closed to hikers have been reopened and fire restrictions in the San Bernardino National Forest have been eased.

Story Date: December 22, 2012