Cal Fire suspends burn permits in San Luis Obispo County
–After a moderately wet winter/spring, summer temperatures have quickly dried out the abundant annual grass crop throughout most areas of the county. The Live Fuel Moisture Database indicates rapidly drying levels in the brush fuels as well. The increasing fire danger posed by the high volume of dead grass and hotter, drier conditions in the region is prompting Cal Fire to suspend all burn permits for outdoor burning within the State Responsibility Area of San Luis Obispo County.
This suspension, in accordance with Public Resources Code section 4423.1, takes effect July 16, 2018 and bans all outdoor burning except for authorized Campfires within organized campgrounds or on private property as otherwise permitted.
Chief Jalbert says “Cal Fire is preparing for what could be a very active fire season in SLO County, and we need residents to do their part by maintaining defensible space and being extra cautious during any activity that could spark a wildfire.”
To date in 2018, firefighters have already responded to over 100 wildfires in the county which have burned over 2,100 acres. While outdoor burning of landscape debris by homeowners is no longer allowed, Cal Fire is asking residents to ensure that they are prepared for wildfires by maintaining a minimum of 100 feet of Defensible Space around every home and building on their property.
Here are some tips to help prepare homes and property:
• Clear all dead and or dying vegetation 100 feet from around all structures.
• Landscape with fire resistant/drought tolerant plants
• 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.
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