Cal Fire San Diego is suspending all burn permits for outdoor and residential burning beginning tomorrow as the state and the region summer approaches, bringing the region to critical burn conditions.
Fire authorities say this suspension bans all residential burning of landscape debris such as branches and leaves. The suspension of burn permits does not apply to campfires within organized campgrounds or on private property.
According to a Cal Fire press release, the state has responded to over 2,436 wildfires, far outpacing the 1,554 fires over the same time period last year since Jan.1.
“There have already been thousands of opportunities for wildfire to impact Californians across the state. The threat to our communities is real, and fire potential will continue to increase until the region receives significant rain later in the year,” said CAL FIRE/San Diego County Fire Chief Tony Mecham.
The agency recommends residents ensure they are prepared for wildfires by maintaining a minimum of 100 feet of Defensible Space around every home and building on their property. According to fire authorities, this order is routine this time of year and applies to unincorporated areas covered by Cal Fire and County Fire Stations in San Diego County.
Here are some tips to help prepare homes and property:
- Clear all dead and/or dying vegetation 100 feet from all structures
- Create a landscape with fire resistant/drought tolerant plants
- Find alternative ways to dispose of landscape debris, such as chipping or hauling it to a biomass energy or green waste facility
A campfire permit may be obtained at local fire stations or online at PreventWildfireCA.org.For additional information on how to create defensible space, as well as tips to prevent wildfires, visit www.ReadyForWildfire.org and www.ReadySanDiego.org.
