BURNING SEASON OVER! Calfire suspends outdoor burning permits July 1 | Lost Coast Outpost

Press release from Calfire:

After another wet winter and above-average snowpack, rising temperatures and winds are quickly drying out the bountiful annual grass crop. The increased fire danger from the large amount of dead grass and the region’s hotter, drier conditions is prompting CAL FIRE to suspend all outdoor grass burning permits in residential areas within the state’s jurisdiction of Humboldt and Del Norte counties. This suspension will take effect July 1, 2024, and prohibits the outdoor burning of yard waste such as branches and leaves.

Since January 1, 2024, CAL FIRE and firefighters across the state have already responded to over 2,429 wildfires. While outdoor burning of yard waste by homeowners is no longer permitted, CAL FIRE is asking residents to take this extra time to ensure they are prepared for wildfires by maintaining a minimum distance of 100 feet around every home and building on their property and being prepared to evacuate if necessary.

Here are some tips for preparing homes and properties:

• Remove all dead and/or dying plants 30 metres from all buildings. • Landscape with fire-resistant plants and non-combustible ground covers. • Find alternative ways to dispose of landscape waste, such as shredding or hauling 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 activities, land management, fire drills, and other industrial fires may continue if a CAL FIRE official inspects the fire scene and issues a special permit.

The suspension of residential yard waste fire permits does not apply to campfires at organized campgrounds or on private property. Campfires may be permitted if the campfire is maintained in a manner that prevents spread into the wild. A campfire permit can be obtained from local fire stations or online at PreventWildfireCA.org.

For more information on creating defensible spaces and preparing for wildfires, as well as tips on wildfire prevention, visit www.ReadyForWildfire.org.