CAL FIRE: Suspends Burn Permits in Siskiyou County

CAL FIRE press release

Yreka, Ca –. California has seen another wet winter and above average snowpack statewide. Despite this moisture, we have already seen large fires this year due to an abundance of a fine grass crop and other vegetation. CAL FIRE is calling on all Californians to be prepared and launch individual prevention efforts—whether around homes, while recreating, or by supporting efforts in your local community and sharing information with your neighbors.

The increasing fire danger posed by dead grass and hotter, drier conditions in Siskiyou County and throughout the state is prompting the CAL FIRE Siskiyou to suspend all burn permits for outdoor residential burning within the State Responsibility Area of Siskiyou County. This suspension takes effect June 17, 2024, and bans all residential outdoor burning of landscape debris such as branches and leaves.

“With the threat of wildfires in Siskiyou County, it’s not a question if a community will be threatened, but when”, said Greg Roath, CAL FIRE Siskiyou Unit Chief. “CALFIRE continues to prepare for potential wildfires and askes that communities and residents do their part to prepare as well. We also ask that extreme caution is used while enjoying outdoor activities this year to prevent wildfire ignitions.”

While outdoor burning of landscape debris by homeowners is no longer allowed, CAL FIRE is asking residents to continue to prepare your home for wildfire by creating defensible space and hardening your home ahead of wildfires.

Here 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 plants and non-flammable ground cover.
• Find alternative ways to dispose of landscape debris like chipping or hauling it to a biomass energy or green waste facility.

The department may issue restricted temporary burning permits if there is an essential reason due to public health and safety. Agriculture, land management, fire training, and other industrial type burning may proceed if a CAL FIRE official inspects the burn site and issues a special permit.

The suspension of burn permits for residential landscape debris does not apply to campfires within organized campgrounds or on private property. Campfires may be permitted if the campfire is maintained in such a manner as to prevent its spread to the wildland. A valid campfire permit is required and can be obtained online at www.ReadyForWildfire.org

For additional information on how to create Defensible Space, Home Hardening, Evacuation Planning and how to be prepared for wildfires, as well as tips to prevent wildfires, visit www.ReadyForWildfire.org.