As summer temperatures rise and fire danger increases across the region, CAL FIRE is taking proactive steps to protect communities from the threat of wildfires. Effective 12:01 a.m. on Monday, June 16, the Amador-El Dorado Unit (AEU) is suspending all burn permits for residential outdoor debris burning within the State Responsibility Areas (SRA) of Alpine, Amador, El Dorado, Sacramento, and San Joaquin counties.
The announcement comes amid a combination of warming weather, dry winds, and a heavy buildup of annual grasses, all of which have created conditions ripe for fire ignition and rapid spread.
“Although debris burning is useful to reduce flammable vegetation, the conditions in Amador-El Dorado Unit have reached the point where debris burning poses an unacceptable risk of starting a wildfire and it is no longer safe for the public to perform these types of burns,” said AEU Chief Mike Blankenheim.
Under the suspension, all residential outdoor burning of landscape debris such as branches, leaves, and yard waste is strictly prohibited. However, the ban does not apply to campfires within organized campgrounds or private property, so long as they are properly contained and maintained to prevent spread to surrounding vegetation. Campfire permits are still required and can be obtained at https://www.readyforwildfire.org/permits/campfire-permit/.
CAL FIRE officials are encouraging residents to use this time to strengthen wildfire preparedness by focusing on defensible space around their homes and structures. Creating at least 100 feet of clearance around properties is not only effective in slowing the spread of wildfire, but it can also make it safer for firefighters to defend homes in the event of an emergency.
Residents are advised to clear all dead or dying vegetation within 100 feet of all structures. They should also landscape with fire-resistant plants and non-flammable ground cover, and find alternative ways to dispose of yard debris such as chipping or hauling it to a green waste or biomass facility.
In certain cases, CAL FIRE may issue restricted temporary burn permits for activities essential to public health and safety. Agricultural operations, land management, fire training, and some industrial burning may be allowed—but only after site inspection and approval by CAL FIRE personnel.
For full guidelines on how to protect your home, prepare for evacuations, and reduce fire hazards, visit https://www.readyforwildfire.org.
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