June 25, 2008 -- Three major fires in the past month have left fire resources stretched thin and some fire fighters without a day off in the past 30. State fire officials say a boost in early season manpower and equipment has helped them battle a fit of blazes across Central and Northern California. But the early siege, including fires in areas that rarely see them - like Santa Cruz County - is straining state and local fire fighting resources and spurring concern about how fire fighters and their gear will hold up during a drawn-out fire season.