Auburn – Due to currently dry weather conditions and an increased flammability of dry forest fuels and grasses in the region, CAL FIRE will require a valid burn permit for outdoor open residential burning within the State Responsibility Area of Nevada, Yuba, Placer, Sutter and Sierra Counties. This permit requirement takes effect Sunday, May 1, 2016, and will remain in effect until rescinded or the suspension of burning is declared. The permit requirement includes all private residential outdoor burning of landscape debris including branches and leaves.
Remember it is your responsibility to keep any debris burn under your control, an adult needs to be in attendance at all times, and have hand tools and water available to contain and extinguish the fire. You must comply with the requirements of your burn permit and must verify it is a permissive burn day by calling the phone number listed on your permit. Additional restrictions including the prohibition of burning trash, garbage, plastic and dimensional or treated lumber are imposed by local Air Quality Management Districts. Please do not create a smoke nuisance and only burn dry materials. Permissive burn days are also regulated by Air Quality Management so it is important to follow and abide by those restrictions and stipulations as well.
Similar to last year, CAL FIRE has already responded to significantly more wildfires than in an average non-drought year. Many of these fires have been related to debris burns that have escaped control even while the property owner was in attendance. Please remember you are responsible for any fire which escapes your control, and may be libel for suppression costs, fines and any damages caused by the fire.
CAL FIRE is asking residents to ensure that they are prepared for wildfires including maintaining a minimum of 100 feet of Defensible Space around every home.
Here are some tips to help prepare your home and property:
- Clear all dead or dying vegetation 100 feet 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 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. Campfires within organized campgrounds or on private property that are otherwise permitted will be allowed if the campfire is maintained in such a manner as to prevent its spread to the wildland.
For additional information on preparing for and preventing wildfires visit www.ReadyForWildfire.org.
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