County suspending burn permits starting May 4
– Burn permits and other uses of open fire will be suspended across state responsibility area lands in San Luis Obispo County beginning May 4, according to a proclamation issued by Cal Fire this week.
The suspension is due to what officials described as an extreme risk of fire caused by critical fire weather, dry vegetation, and firefighting resources being heavily committed to existing incidents. The order was issued under the authority of the Director of the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, also known as Cal Fire, pursuant to section 4423.1 of the Public Resources Code.
The suspension applies to all state responsibility area lands within the county, excluding incorporated cities.
Campfires will still be allowed within organized campgrounds or on private property where permitted, as long as they are maintained in a way that prevents their spread to surrounding wildland.
Under section 4423.2 of the Public Resources Code, state rangers or other authorized agents may issue restricted temporary burning permits if open burning is determined to be essential for public health, safety, or welfare.
The order takes effect at 8 a.m. on May 4 and will remain in place until it is formally terminated.
