CAL FIRE warns that fire danger still exists

Fire Danger Exists Despite Cooler Weather San Andreas – The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE), Tuolumne-Calaveras Unit, is reminding all residents, due to December’s prolonged dry spell, fire danger remains above average across the Central Sierras and the chance of large and damaging fires still exists.  Even though the area has experienced cooler temperatures and a little moisture, recent dry winds have brought back the danger of wildland fire.

Even though fire season has ended, California lends itself to severe wildfire conditions year round with its unique climate and topography.  Listed below are some safety tips:
o   Check to make sure it is a permissive burn day prior to starting a burn project
o    Just because it is a permissive burn day doesn’t mean it is safe to burn, take into consideration current conditions, such as high gusty/windy days, surrounding dry vegetation
o   ALWAYS stay in attendance of the burn projecto   Have suppression tools, such as shovel and water, available in case of an escapeo   Create a bare mineral soil zone (down to dirt) around your project
o   Don’t burn piles that are too big for your controlo   Don’t dump ashes from fire places/or stoves onto vegetation, there could still be hot spots in the ashes which would ignite dry vegetation
Although burning is an effective tool in the reduction of wildland fire fuels, if a homeowner does have a fire escape their control they can be fined, issued a citation (misdemeanor), and have to pay suppression cost to put the fire out.  For more information on fire safety visit CAL FIRE at: http://www.fire.ca.gov/