The suspension, which “bans all residental outdoor burning of landscape debris such as branches and leaves” will take effect starting Saturday, July 1 at 12:01 a.m.
“We are asking that residents not be lulled into a false sense of security on the heels of an exceptionally wet winter,’” CAL FIRE Director Chief Ken Pimlott said. “The abundant dead grass will only serve as a fuse to the heavier vegetation still suffering the lasting effects of 5 years of extreme drought.”
Sonoma-Lake-Napa Unit Chief, Shana Jones and Marin County Fire Chief, Jason Weber added, “The wetting rains have created an abundance of grass. Because of this it has increased the potential for fires throughout the state and the seven counties of Colusa, Yolo, Solano, Lake, Sonoma, Napa and Marin Counties. We have recently experienced a heat wave that has further dried the vegetation and increased the fire danger. Please take caution and be fire safe.”
In a statement, CAL FIRE provided tips to help prepare homes and property and information on temporary permits:
• Clear all dead and or dying vegetation 100 feet from around all structures.
• Landscape with fire resistant/drought tolerant plants
• Find alternative ways to dispose of landscape debris like chipping or hauling it to a biomass energy or green waste facility
The department may issue restricted temporary burning permits if there is an essential reason due to public health and safety. Agriculture, land management, fire training, and other industrial-type burning may proceed if a CAL FIRE official inspects the burn site and issues a special permit.
The ban willl not apply to campfires on private property or organized campsites.
Campfires may be permitted if the campfire is maintained in such a manner as to prevent its spread to the wildland. A campfire permit can be obtained at local fire stations or online at PreventWildfireCA.org.
More information on how to create Defensible Space, as well as tips to prevent wildfires, can be found at www.ReadyForWildfire.org
