San Bernardino County, CA, June 16, 2016 – While recent rains this winter and spring have been a welcome sight in California, drought conditions continue to increase fire danger in the region prompting CAL FIRE to suspend all burn permits for outdoor residential burning within the State Responsibility Area which includes San Bernardino County. This suspension went into effect June 13 th , 2016 and bans all residential outdoor burning of landscape debris like branches and leaves.
CAL FIRE San Bernardino Unit Chief Glenn Barley says, “Given our abundant grass crop this year and recent fire activity in southern California, it’s very important that everyone avoid activity that might generate sparks which could start a wildfire.”
Chief Ken Pimlott, CAL FIRE director added, “As conditions across California are drying out further we must take every step to prevent new wildfires from sparking. Residents must ensure they have Defensible Space by removing dead trees and overgrown vegetation from around their homes, but do so safely.”
Since January 1, 2016 CAL FIRE and firefighters across the state have already responded to over 1,344 wildfires. In the CAL FIRE San Bernardino, Inyo and Mono Unit, firefighters have responded to 168 wildfires. CAL FIRE is asking residents to ensure that they are prepared for wildfires by maintaining a minimum of 100 feet of Defensible Space around every home. Clear all dead and or dying vegetation 100 feet from around all structures. Landscape with fire resistant/drought tolerant plants. And find alternative ways to dispose of landscape debris such as chipping. For additional information on how to create Defensible Space, as well as tips to prevent wildfires, visit ReadyForWildfire.
