Tuolumne-Calaveras CalFire Unit Moves to Winter Preparedness

 On Monday, November 14, 2011, at 8AM, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) will complete the transition into winter preparedness in the Tuolumne-Calaveras Unit (TCU).  This includes the counties of Calaveras, Tuolumne, and those eastern portions of San Joaquin and Stanislaus that are within the State Responsibility Area, as well as lands within the Direct Protection Area (DPA) of the Stanislaus National Forest.  While some CAL FIRE engines will remain available through winter, the transition allows CAL FIRE to release seasonal firefighters, reduce staffing on fire engines and close remote wildland fire stations. CAL FIRE is prepared to call additional resources back if fire weather conditions dictate.  Burning will be permitted 24 hours a day on “Permissive Burn Days” as established by the Air Pollution Control District (APCD) in each county.  CAL FIRE burn permits will not be required until May 1, 2012 (or earlier if conditions require). 

Landowners may be held liable if their burning project escapes their control. Remain in attendance of your burn project, keep a water supply close to the burning site and do not burn when windy, or when high winds are predicted. In Calaveras County, burning on property five acres or more in size requires a permit from the Calaveras APCD.  In Tuolumne County clearing two acres or more of vegetation requires a permit from the Tuolumne APCD.  TCU Unit Chief Brian Kirk encourages residents and property owners “To create at least 100 feet of defensible space around your home. Defensible space protects your property, your neighbor’s property and your community.  To limit the threat of large and damaging fires, we need the continued support of each citizen within the four-county area of the Tuolumne-Calaveras Unit of CAL FIRE.”  It is the landowner’s responsibility to check burn day status, before starting a burn project, by calling the Air Pollution Control District with jurisdiction over your area.  Calaveras County: 209/754-6600Tuolumne County: 209/533-5598San Joaquin and Stanislaus Counties: 877/429-2876 For more information on defensible space and fire safety check out http://www.fire.ca.gov/