Cal Fire suspends burn permits starting Monday, June 26

EL CAJON – Due to warming and drying conditions locally and statewide, Cal Fire San Diego is suspending all burn permits for outdoor residential burning within the State Responsibility Area of San Diego and Imperial counties. The suspension will occur at 8 a.m. on Monday, June 26. It will ban all residential outdoor burning of branches, leaves, and landscape debris.

The wet winter has dramatically reduced the effects of the ongoing drought conditions throughout the state. However, a single season of wet and snowy conditions is not enough to recover from the previous three years of below-normal precipitation. While there has been a reduction in wildfires this year due to unusual conditions, the prolonged drought has led to significant loads of dead vegetation, and the abundant rain is producing a crop of fine grasses and other vegetation.

As the conditions dry and warm in the coming weeks, these wildfire fuel sources will become more susceptible to burning. “I ask that residents continue to maintain their defensible space and harden their homes. This will reduce the risk of ignition of their property from heat, flames, and wildfire embers,” said Cal Fire/San Diego County Fire Chief Tony Mecham.

Some tips to consider when preparing your property:

• Utilize fire-resistant materials to protect your home from wildfire.

• Create and maintain 100 feet of defensible space around your home.

• Find alternative ways to dispose of landscape debris, such as chipping or using a bio-mass or green waste disposal site.

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 follows the rules and regulations set forth by the permitting agency.

You can obtain a campfire permit at your local fire station or http://www.readyforwildfire.org. For additional information on creating defensible space and tips to prevent wildfires, visit http://www.AlertSD.org.