Crime & Safety

Low Rainfall Prompts Burn Ban

CAL FIRE declares burn ban in nine counties, including Santa Cruz.

Recent low rainfall and humidity levels have prompted the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) to call for a local fire ban in nine counties across the Bay Area.

Santa Cruz Unit Chief John Ferreira today joined two other unit chiefs in declaring a suspension of open burning within CAL FIRE’s contracted responsibility areas. The suspension is in effect in Santa Cruz, Alameda, Contra Costa, Santa Clara, San Mateo, Stanislaus, San Benito, Monterey and Western San Joaquin Counties.

Industrial-type burning at agriculture, land management, fire training and other such sites may proceed if a CAL FIRE official inspects the burn site and issues a permit, according to a release from CAL FIRE. 

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The ban, issued in a proclamation in Felton on Thursday, cited the lack of precipitation, the dryness of vegetation, and the increased fire activity as reasons.

“Experience has shown that open burning suspensions effectively aid in preventing fire escapes and significantly reduce the risk and occurrence of large fires,” according to the statement. “This is especially important as these areas are currently experiencing low cumulative rainfall, low humidity, dry fuel moisture levels and increased fire activity.”

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CAL FIRE had previously issued a burn ban on Dec. 5 then rescinded it on Dec.12. The new ban goes into effect Friday, Dec. 23 until formally cancelled by CAL FIRE.


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