CAL FIRE Suspends Outdoor Burning as Season Heats Up

Today the "declaration of fire season" from the Santa Clara unit of CAL FIRE begins. All permits for open burning within the state responsibility area and local responsibility areas will be suspended. This applies to the counties of Santa Clara, Contra Costa, Alameda and areas west of Interstate Highway 5 in Stanislaus and San Joaquin counties.

The Santa Clara unti will also be staffing 12 engines to meet the challenging weather and fire conditions.

"While the above average rainfall has led to a lower fire risk the past month, it has also led to an abundance of grass and brush. Despite the unusually wet and extended spring, temperatures have already begun to increase and all the grass and brush has begun to dry out enough to raise the risk for wildfires," said the agency in a press release.

CAL FIRE is charged with fire and EMS duties in the areas surrounding Gilroy and Morgan Hill, as well as other areas around the state.

CAL FIRE Recommendations:

• Maintain 100 feet of Defensible Space around your home

• Clear all needles and leaves from roofs, eaves and rain gutters.

• Trim branches six feet from the ground.

• Use trimming, mowing and power equipment before 10 a.m. and after 6 p.m.

• Landscape with fire resistant plants.

• Use fire resistant building materials on your home.

- Bay City News contributed to this report.