CAL FIRE Suspends burn permits in Siskiyou County
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YREKA, CALIF. – California has seen a historic rainy season with precipitation totals of 145 % of normal statewide. While there has been a reduction in the number of fires this year due to the unusual conditions, the protracted drought has led to significant loads of dead vegetation, and the abundant rain is producing an extra-large fine grass crop and other vegetation. CAL FIRE is preparing now, and we call on all Californians to be prepared and launch individual prevention efforts—whether around homes, while recreating, or by supporting efforts in your local community and sharing information with your neighbors.
The increasing fire danger posed by dead grass and hotter, drier conditions in the region is prompting CAL FIRE to suspend all burn permits for outdoor residential burning within the State Responsibility Area of Siskiyou County. This suspension takes effect July 1, 2023, and bans all residential outdoor burning of landscape debris such as branches and leaves.
"Here in Siskiyou County, it's not a question if a community will be threatened by wildfire, it's when", said Darryl Laws, CAL FIRE Siskiyou Unit Chief. "Communities and residents should take steps now to prepare for a potential wildfire and doing their part to prevent a wildfire by using extreme caution while enjoying outdoor activities this year."
While outdoor burning of landscape debris by homeowners is no longer allowed, CAL FIRE is asking residents to take that extra time to prepare your home for wildfire by creating defensible space and hardening your home ahead of wildfires.
Here are some tips to help prepare homes and property:
Clear all dead and or dying vegetation 100 feet from around allstructures.
Landscape with fire resistant plants and non-flammable ground cover.
Find alternative ways to dispose of landscape debris like chipping or hauling it to a biomass energy or green waste facility.
The department may issue restricted temporary burning permits if there is an essential reason due to public health and safety. Agriculture, land management, fire training, and other industrial type burning may proceed if a CAL FIRE official inspects the burn site and issues a special permit.
The suspension of burn permits for residential landscape debris does not apply to campfires within organized campgrounds or on private property. Campfires may be permitted if the campfire is maintained in such a manner as to prevent its spread to the wildland. A valid campfire permit is required and can be obtained online at www.ReadyForWildfire.org.
For additional information on how to create Defensible Space, Home Hardening, Evacuation Planning and how to be prepared for wildfires, as well as tips to prevent wildfires, visit www.ReadyForWildfire.org.
For the latest fire information, visit www.cascadefirewatch.com and follow Cascade Firewatch on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
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