While recent rains this winter and spring have been a welcome sight in California, drought conditions continue to increase fire danger in the region prompting Cal-Fire to suspend all burn permits for outdoor residential burning within the State Responsibility Area of Lassen, Modoc and Plumas Counties. This suspension took effect Monday, June 20th, and bans all residential outdoor burning of landscape debris like branches and leaves.
“While last winter’s rain and snow have loosened the drought’s grip on our communities, our forests and range lands are still affected and we must remain vigilant in preventing unwanted and damaging wildland fires,” said Chief Gordon, Lassen-Modoc Unit Chief.
“As conditions across California are drying out further we must take every step to prevent new wildfires from sparking,” said Chief Ken Pimlott, CAL FIRE director. “Residents must ensure they have Defensible Space by removing dead trees and overgrown vegetation from around their homes, but do so safely.”
Since January 1st, of this year Cal-Fire and firefighters across the state have already responded to over 1,300 wildfires. While outdoor burning of landscape debris by homeowners is no longer allowed, Cal-Fire is asking residents to ensure that they are prepared for wildfires by maintaining a minimum of 100 feet of Defensible Space around every home.
Here are some tips to help prepare homes and property:
- 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 facility
The suspension of burn permits for residential landscape debris does not apply to campfires within organized campgrounds or on private property. 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 and online at PreventWildfireCA.org.
For additional information on how to create Defensible Space, as well as tips to prevent wildfires, visit www.ReadyForWildfire.org.
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