BOISE (KTVB) -- Prolonged drought conditions across the West have national wildfire experts expecting a busy and early fire season.

According to the latest wildfire report issued by the National Interagency Fire Center, Idaho is slated to experience above-normal wildfire activity in its southwestern and northern regions starting in July.

The report points to weak El Nino weather patterns in Idaho that will cause intermittent storms and dry spells throughout the summer. Fire officials expect Idaho's fires to be fed by leftover fuel from last year's mild season, when only about 295 square miles burned.

Significant wildfire activity is expected to start as early as late May in drought-stricken California, western Nevada and southeastern Oregon.

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