CAL FIRE NEWS RELEASE
DATE: June 23, 2015
CAL FIRE Suspends Outdoor Residential Burning
Willits – As drought conditions continue to increase fire danger in the region, CAL FIRE has suspended all burn permits for outdoor open residential burning within the State Responsibility Area of Mendocino County. This suspension takes effect June 29, 2015 and bans all residential outdoor burning of landscape debris including branches and leaves.
CAL FIRE Mendocino Unit Chief Rowney explained, “Mendocino County fire history shows that suspending debris burning is an effective way of preventing wildfires that result from debris burn escapes. Although all fires cannot be prevented through a burning suspension, their numbers can be significantly reduced. This is particularly critical in our current situation.”
“With record-setting drought conditions we must take every step possible to prevent new wildfires from starting,” said Chief Ken Pimlott, CAL FIRE Director. “One Less Spark, means One Less Wildfire.”
Similar to last year, CAL FIRE has already responded to significantly more wildfires than the average. 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, 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.