According to a Cal Fire News Release, dated Oct. 22, 2012:
California’s first significant rainfall of the season, combined with cooler temperatures, has allowed CAL FIRE to lift the statewide burn ban effective Monday, October 22, 2012. CAL FIRE had suspended all residential burn permits and various types of outdoor burning within the 31 million acres of State Responsibility Area on August 15, 2012. While the statewide burn ban is lifted, local burn bans set by CAL FIRE’s 21 operational units may still be in effect. Each of the 21 CAL FIRE unit chiefs will determine when local weather conditions will allow for safe outdoor burning. Following the lifting of local burn bans, burn permits may be required in some areas so residents should always check with their local fire station and air quality district before burning.
“While the threat of wildfires has not diminished completely, many areas will be receiving enough rainfall to allow homeowners to safely burn outdoors once their local burn bans are lifted,” said Chief Ken Pimlott, CAL FIRE Director. “It is still important that residents monitor the weather closely, as a warming trend could increase the fire threat.” This fire season has kept firefighters across the State very busy as fire activity has been significantly higher this year. To date, there have been over 5,500 wildfires in CAL FIRE’s jurisdiction that have burned nearly 130,000 acres, compared to last year when there were 4,100 wildfires during the same time period that charred over 55,000 acres. Even with the cooler weather, there is still the possibility of wildfires and CAL FIRE remains prepared to respond.
For more information on Burn Permits and restrictions in your area see the Cal Fire web page at: http://www.fire.ca.gov/fire_protection/fire_protection_burnpermits.php
Humboldt-Del Norte Information:
Information released on Oct. 25, 2012 from the Humboldt-Del Norte Unit indicates:
CAL FIRE Unit Chief Tom Hein is formally cancelling the suspension and also advises that the declared FIRE SEASON has ended for the Humboldt – Del Norte Unit. People wishing to burn are required to obtain a burning permit from the North Coast Unified Air Quality Management District (NCUAQMD). They can be contacted at (707) 443-3093. Safe burning still requires a minimum of 10’ clearance around the 4’ piles and an adult must be in attendance at all times. Chief Hein warns people to still use caution when burning, and to pay attention to changing weather conditions. For these permit applications and information, you can contact your local CAL FIRE Station. Burn day information is available at 1-866-287-6329.
Mendocino Information:
CAL FIRE Mendocino Unit Chief Christopher P. Rowney has declared the 2012 Fire Season in Mendocino County will end Friday, October 26, 2012 at Midnight.
This year on State Responsibility land in Mendocino County there were 123 wildland fires burning approximately 11,400 acres. In addition to the 123 wildland fires, CAL FIRE, along with local fire departments, responded to 95 structure fires and 482 other fires.
Winter burning season will also begin Friday, October 26, 2012 at Midnight. CAL FIRE will not require burning permits until approximately May 1, 2013. Residents are reminded that BURNING MUST COMPLY WITH MENDOCINO COUNTY AIR QUALITY REGLUATIONS. For more information or to obtain a burn permit visit the MCQAMD web site at www.mendoair.org or call the District office at (707) 463-4354. Recorded Burn Day status is available 24/7 on the Burn Information Line at (707) 463-4391.