Cal Fire suspends burn permits for Merced, Mariposa, Madera counties. Here’s why
The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection on Friday announced it will suspend burn permits in Merced, Mariposa and Madera counties due to extreme wildfire risk. The suspension takes effect June 1 and will last until further notice from Cal Fire.
“Rising temperatures, low fuel moisture and little to no rain in the forecast have created an extreme wildfire threat to life, property and natural resources,” a Cal Fire news release said.
The suspension will ban residential outdoor burning of landscape debris including leaves and branches in the State Responsibility Areas of Merced, Mariposa and Madera counties, according to the news release.
Campfires in organized campgrounds or on private property will still be allowed, if maintained to prevent spread to wildland or neighboring property, Cal Fire said.
The department said it could issue temporary burning permits for public health, safety or welfare needs.
Permits for campfires can be obtained online at preventwildfireca.org or at local fire stations.
Cal Fire provided these tips to create defensible space around your home:
- Clear dead and dying vegetation 100 feet from all structures
- Landscape with fire-resistant plants and nonflammable ground cover
- Chip or haul landscape debris to a biomass or green waste facility instead of burning
“By doing your part and clearing defensible space around your home, you give our offense a fighting chance,” said Chris Trindade, chief of Cal Fire’s Madera-Mariposa-Merced Unit.
For wildfire preparedness information, defensible space guides, and prevention tips, visit readyforwildfire.org.
