San Andreas
– Monday, January 27, 2014 at 8AM, the Tuolumne-Calaveras Unit of the California
Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) will suspend outdoor burning
within State Responsibility
Areas of Tuolumne County, Calaveras County, Eastern Stanislaus County
and Eastern San Joaquin County. These restrictions will remain in effect
until further notice
Statewide,
California is experiencing record-breaking low rainfall, low humidity,
and low fuel moisture levels, along with higher than normal temperatures
and increased
fire activity. These conditions are expected to continue.
Tuolumne-Calaveras
Unit Chief Josh White emphasizes that banning outdoor burning is
necessary for public safety. “We know this makes it more difficult for
property owners
who are trying to reduce the flammable vegetation on their property,
and we encourage them to continue to create defensible space.
Unfortunately, the unusually dry conditions have made burning unsafe.
This suspension of outdoor burning is essential for the
safety of all our communities. We are monitoring the weather conditions
daily, and plan to lift the suspension if normal winter weather
patterns return.”
At
this time, campfires are still permitted on Stanislaus National Forest
land, in designated campgrounds, and on private property with permission
of the landowner and
jurisdictional authority.
CAL FIRE reminds everyone that it is their individual responsibility to use fire safely and to prevent fires. Visit
www.ReadyforWildfire.org for more information on how to prepare for and prevent wildfires, or your nearest CAL FIRE facility.