CAL FIRE suspends burn permits

BUTTERFLY– After another wet winter and above-average snow cover, rising temperatures and winds are rapidly drying out the abundant annual grass crop. The increasing fire danger from the large volume of dead grass and the hotter, drier conditions in the region is leading to COLD FIRE to suspend all permits for outdoor fire burning in residential areas within the state jurisdictions of Madera, Mariposa and Merced. This suspension will take effect on June 17, 2024. It prohibits the burning of garden waste such as branches and leaves outdoors in residential areas.

This year’s grass crop thrived thanks to the amount of precipitation during the winter months. Tall grass contributes to the rapid spread of wildfires, so it’s important that residents stay vigilant and prepare their homes for the coming summer months. – CAL FIRE Unit Chief Mike van Loben Sels

Since January 1, 2024, CAL FIRE and firefighters across the state have already responded to over 1,700 wildfires. With outdoor burning now prohibited, CAL FIRE is urging citizens to use this time to prepare for wildfires. This includes keeping at least 100 feet of defensible space around every home and building on their property. Residents should also prepare to evacuate when the time comes.

Here are some tips for preparing homes and properties:
• Remove all dead or dying vegetation within 30 meters of all buildings.
• Landscaping with fire-resistant plants and non-combustible ground covers.
• Find alternative ways to dispose of garden waste. This could include shredding or transporting it to a biomass or green waste facility.

The agency may issue limited, temporary fire permits when there is good cause for public health and safety. Agricultural, land management, fire drills, and other industrial fires may continue. A CAL FIRE official will inspect the fire scene and issue a special permit.

The suspension of residential yard waste fire permits does not apply to campfires at organized campgrounds. It also does not apply to campfires on private property. A campfire permit is permitted if the campfire is maintained in a manner that prevents spread into the wild. Campfire permits are available at local fire stations or online at. PreventWildfireCA.org.

For more information on creating a defensible space, see ReadyForWildfire.orgThere is also information on how to prepare for wildfires and tips on how to prevent wildfires.