CAL FIRE lifts burn permit ban for Solano County
The move signals a reduction in wildfire weather concerns as the region moves closer to the winter season.
(File photo by Solano News Update)
The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) says it will lift a burn permit suspension that was imposed during the summer over a growing concern about dangerous wildfires.
The move means residents of Solano County will be able to apply for burn permits in order to clear and dispose of materials like leaves, pine needles and tree trimmings where appropriate.
The lifting of the burn permit suspension will be effective Monday, November 23 at 8 a.m. and will allow residents with burn permits to carry out activities on designated burn days.
Burn piles larger than 4-by-4 feet and prescribed “broadcast” burns require inspection by CAL FIRE personnel before they can begin until the end of the peak fire season, CAL FIRE said.
“Cooler temperatures, higher humidity [levels] and the chance of winter weather have helped to begin to diminish the threat of wildfire,” a CAL FIRE official said in a statement. “Property owners and residents are asked to use caution while conducting debris or agriculture burns, follow all guidelines provided and maintain control of the fire at all times.”
CAL FIRE says individuals can still be held legally liable for fires that “escape their control and burn onto neighboring property.” That liability can carry civil and criminal penalties, CAL FIRE warned.
Still, CAL FIRE said safely burning forest residue “is a crucial tool in reducing fire hazards,” and local, state and federal agencies will be taking advantage of the better weather to carry out their own controlled burns as weather conditions allow.
Pile Burning Requirements
CAL FIRE released the following rules and restrictions related to burns that are carried out by individuals with appropriate permits:
Only dry, natural vegetation like leaves, pine needles and tree trimmings are allowed to be burned.
Trash, painted wood or other debris are not covered by the burn permits and are not allowed.
Individuals should not burn on days with significant wind — both observed and forecast.
Piles are not allowed to be wider or higher than four feet. Anything beyond that requires an inspection by CAL FIRE officials prior to the start of a burn.
Those who do carry out permitted burns are asked to clear a defensible space of at least 10 feet around the burn pile, with the clearance going down to the bare soil.
CAL FIRE officials strongly encourage burners to have a shove and a water source nearby.
An adult who is 18 or older must be in attendance of the burn at all times.
Those who would like more information about permitted burns, including guidance on how to obtain a burn permit, are asked to visit CAL FIRE’s website at https://burnpermit.fire.ca.gov.
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