Cal Fire declares fire season and suspends burn permits in San Benito and Monterey counties

Fire season is now underway and Cal Fire has suspended all burn permits in designated areas in San Benito and Monterey counties.

According to Cal Fire, the burn permits are suspended within the state responsibility area and local responsibility areas under contract with Cal Fire.

The suspension went into effect July 1st. It bans all residential outdoor burning of landscape debris.

“The recent vegetation fires in San Benito and Monterey Counties showcase the importance of defensible space,” said David Fulcher, CAL FIRE San Benito-Monterey Unit Chief.

Cal Fire warned the brush and trees have started their summer transition into highly flammable vegetation.

Cal Fire is urging people to maintain their 100 feet of defensible space around their homes.

Some tips to prepare your home include, clearing all dead or dying vegetation 100 feet around it, landscape with fire resistant/drought tolerant plants, finding alternative ways to dispose of landscape debris such as chipping or hauling it to a biomass energy facility.

Campfires are allowed in designated campgrounds or in establish facilities on private property with permission of the landowner and jurisdictional authority.

Cal Fire also encourages people to visit www.ReadyForWildfire.org for more information on preparing for and preventing wildfires.