EL CAJON, Calif. (KGTV) - Starting Monday morning, Cal Fire San Diego is suspending all burn permits for outdoor residential burning.
The announcement comes after a dry winter and warming temperatures dried out the annual grass crop.
The suspension bans residential outdoor burning of landscape debris like branches and leaves.
“We are reminding the public that this last winter was drier than last year,” said Chief Tony Mecham, Cal Fire San Diego/San Diego County Fire Chief. “The abundant dry grass will only serve as a fuse to the heavier vegetation that still covers our local open spaces.”
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Since the beginning of January, Cal Fire has responded to 920 wildfires across the state.
Mecham is also asking residents to ensure they are prepared for wildfires by maintaining a minimum of 100 feet of defensible space around homes and buildings.
“The importance of defensible space cannot be over-emphasized, but just as important is that residents conduct their clearance activities in a safe and responsible manner," Mecham said. “This includes using the proper tools and limiting clearance activities to the early morning hours when the humidity is up and the temperatures are down.”
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Below are some tips to help prepare homes and property:
- Clear all dead and or dying vegetation 100 feet from around all structures.
- Landscape with fire resistant/drought tolerant plants
- Find alternative ways to dispose of landscape debris like chipping or hauling it to a biomass energy or green waste facility
The suspension doesn’t apply to campfires within organized campgrounds or on private property.
