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.
The official proclamation
of this suspension will follow.
