Wednesday, November 20, 2013

Burn Suspension Lifted in Several Counties, Permits Required with Restricted Burn Hours



San Andreas – On Wednesday, November 20, 2013 at 8 a.m. CAL FIRE will lift the burn suspension for several counties.  This includes the counties of Calaveras, Tuolumne, and the eastern portions of San Joaquin and Stanislaus that are within the State Responsibility Area. 

CAL FIRE burn permits will be required and burning will be permitted with restricted burn hours of 7 p.m. to 8 a.m., on “Permissive Burn Days” as established by the Air Pollution Control District in each county.  In Calaveras County burning on property five acres or more in size requires a permit from the Air Pollution Control District.  In Tuolumne County clearing two acres or more of vegetation requires a permit from the Air Pollution Control District. 

CAL FIRE Unit Chief Josh White reminds everyone, “While burning will be allowed during permissive burn days with restricted burn hours in effect, burn carefully.  Even though the forecast calls for rain and temperatures are cooler, vegetation remains dry. 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.” With changing weather conditions CAL FIRE continues to staff 15 engines and all CAL FIRE stations remain open in those counties. 

Burn permit restrictions:
·         Pile size 4 feet X 4 feet with 10 feet bare mineral soil clearance around pile
·         Remain in attendance
·         Have access to water
·         DO NOT burn on days forecasted to have high or gusty winds

It is your responsibility to check burn day status by calling your local Air Pollution Control District with jurisdiction over your area.

Calaveras County: 209/754-6600
Tuolumne County: 209/533-5598
San Joaquin and Stanislaus Counties: 877/429-2876

For more information on defensible space and fire safety check out www.fire.ca.gov