LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Unit Chief Eric Hoffmann of the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection – or Cal Fire – Sonoma-Lake-Napa Unit announced beginning 12:01 a.m. Sunday, June 1, all permits for open burning within State Responsibility Area and Local Responsibility Areas under contract to Cal Fire are suspended.  

Chief Hoffmann produced an official proclamation declaring a suspension of burn permits for the counties of Colusa, Lake, Napa, Solano, Sonoma and Yolo until the close of fire season.

Agriculture, land management, fire training, and other industrial-type burning may proceed if a Cal Fire fire official inspects the burn site and issues a special permit.  

Campfires are allowed in designated campgrounds, or in established facilities on private property, with permission of the jurisdictional authority.

Persons doing burning under special permit must also check with their regional air quality management district for addition regulations and requirements.

Experience has shown that suspending open burning is an effective way of preventing fire escapes, especially as California enters the summer season period of hotter and drier weather.

Although all fires cannot be prevented through a burning suspension, their numbers can be significantly reduced.

Cal Fire reminds everyone that it is each individual’s responsibility to use fire safely and to prevent fires that destroy lives, property and our wildland.   

Key fire prevention efforts include developing and maintaining a 100 foot defensible space around structures.

Use fire safe practices with mechanized equipment. Spark arrestors are required on exhaust producing tools (mowers, chain saws, etc.).

If dry grass needs to be cut, use a string trimmer and work in the early part of the day when temperatures are cool and humidity is higher. Never cut dry grass with a metal blade.

For additional information contact Cal Fire or your local fire agency at www.fire.ca.gov .