LAKE COUNTY — The Lake County Board of Supervisors discussed the possibility of changing the burn ban implementation period Tuesday according to area needs.
Changing the implementation date would involve a lengthy effort including approvals beyond the board.
The item was brought to discussion per the request of District 5 Supervisor Rob Brown, who said he thought it was foolish to implement the burn ban during times of wet weather. “I think we should reconsider the day we have this,” Brown said. “We look pretty silly when it is implemented on a rainy day.”
The burn ban is implemented annually on May 1 and remains in effect until it is lifted by fire authority, which is typically about mid-November. Brown said year it rained for a full month after the burn ban was put in place. He said he would like to find some option in that the burn ban would not necessarily be implemented on May 1 rather enacted according to conditions.
District 2 Supervisor Jeff Smith suggested bringing the topic back to the board for discussion on the last Tuesday of April, at which time the board could consider conditions and implement the burn ban accordingly.
However, staff informed the board that the implementation date is written into the state-approved fire plan as well as the air quality plan. Changing the implementation date would involve applying for a variance to the district rule. Application would require public input as well as state review.
Contact South County reporter Denise Rockenstein at drockenstein@clearlakeobserver.com or call her directly at 994-6444, ext. 11.
