Community Corner
CalFire Issues Burning Ban in Nine Counties
Burning in open areas is restricted because of low rainfall and dry land.
Unit Chiefs for nine counties under the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, also known as CalFire, have declared suspension of all open burning within regulated areas under contract with the state agency.
According to a press release, a temporary burning ban to state and local "responsibility areas" in Santa Clara, Alameda, Contra Costa, San Mateo, Santa Cruz, Stanislaus, San Benito, Monterey and Western San Joaquin Counties has been in effect since Dec. 23 and will continue until formally canceled.
The nine counties under the ban are the only counties within the state that are currently under open burning restriction, according to the CalFire website.
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Burning for agriculture, land management, fire training and other industrial-type burning are exempt to the ban under the condition of an area inspection and issuance of a special permit from a CalFire official. Campfires are allowed in designated campgrounds, or in established facilities on private property with permission of the landowner and jurisdictional authority.
Persons burning under any special permit must also check with their regional air quality management district for additional regulations and requirements.
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Studies have shown that open burning suspensions effectively aid in preventing fire outbreaks and significantly reduce the risk and occurrence of large fires, especially in areas that are currently experiencing low cumulative rainfall, low humidity, dry fuel moisture levels and increased fire activity.
For more information regarding CalFire’s open burning ban, contact the Santa Clara County CalFire Unit at (408) 472-1609 or visit www.fire.ca.gov.