LAKE COUNTY — The fire season in Lake, Sonoma and Napa counties will officially close on Monday at 8 a.m., meaning the burn ban will be lifted at that time.
“The significant rain we have had thus far, and the forecast of additional precipitation, will allow the unit to transition from fire season into a winter readiness mode,” said Unit Chief Ernie Loveless. The unit includes the State Responsibility Areas (SRA”s) counties of Sonoma, Lake, Napa, Yolo, Solano and Colusa.
The closing of the fire season results in the release of seasonal fire suppression employees, down staffing some fire stations, and the termination of contracts for fixed wing aircraft such as air tankers.
“However, residents need to remember that even with the welcome rains, a period of dry windy conditions could dry fuels to the point where wildland fires are possible,” Loveless said. Cal Fire is prepared to quickly “ramp up” if conditions here or elsewhere in the state dictate, he said. The end of fire season lifts the suspension on burning permits in the area. State law requires those burning in the SRA”s of the county to have a permit from Cal Fire from May 1 until the end of declared fire season. Anyone interested in conducting control burns must make sure they meet all fire and air pollution permit requirements. Check with your local fire agency and air quality district for requirements. But the closing of the fire season does not signal the end of fire protection responsibilities for Cal Fire. They provide year-round emergency response as the fire department for Napa County, the town of Yountville, the South Lake Fire Protection District and The Sea Ranch. Additional response is also provided by contract to the Cloverdale Fire Protection District and to Sonoma County in both the western and southern portions of the county. Cal Fire also offers support during statewide emergencies, including earthquakes and floods.
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