Update: Wildfire risk prompts burn permits suspension in more Northern California counties

Starting next week, outdoor residential burning permits in areas across Northern California will be suspended to reduce the risk of wildfires.

Large quantities of dead grass plus the mix of hot and dry conditions across the region led to the decision, according to statements from Cal Fire’s Nevada-Yuba-Placer, Tehama-Glenn, Sonoma-Lake-Napa and Amador-El Dorado units.

Alpine, Amador, Butte, Colusa, El Dorado, Glenn, Napa, Nevada, Placer, Sierra, Solano, Tehama, Yolo, Yuba counties, as well as the eastern portions of Sacramento and the northeastern section of San Joaquin counties.

In Tehama and Glenn counties, the suspension doesn’t apply to the incorporated cities and the communities of Mineral, Childs Meadow, Deer Creek and Mill Creek.

What it means

Starting 8 a.m. on Monday, June 26, outdoor residential burning of debris like branches and leaves won’t be allowed until further notice.

The rule applies to residential landscape debris burns of dead vegetation, agency-sponsored and agricultural burn projects and broadcast burns.

The suspension of burn permits doesn’t include campfires, according to statements from Cal Fire. The fire must be within an organized campground or on private property and should be maintained to prevent its spread. Campfire permits are available online.

What you should do

Be sure to keep a minimum of 100 feet of defensible space around every home and be prepared to evacuate.

According to Ready for Wildfire, defensible space is the buffer created between your home and the land that surrounds it including trees and shrubs.

Here are tips, according to Cal Fire, to prepare homes for wildfires:

▪ Clear dead vegetation from around the home

▪ Plant fire resistant plants and landscape with non-flammable ground cover

▪ Chip or haul landscape debris

This story was originally published June 20, 2023 at 10:22 AM.