Fire season off to an early start in Monterey and San Benito County

AROMAS, Calif. (KION) - Cal Fire issued a burn suspension notice on May 8 for San Benito and Monterey Counties.

If you see smoke in the air, do not hesitate to call 911. Cal Fire is suspending burn permits until further notice and is not taking any chances after an uptick in vegetation fires has started.

"We will be at full staffing with 17 fire engines across both counties, which will be deemed peak fire season for us here in San Benito Monterrey," said Rhodes.

As the heat picks up and dry conditions continue, Cal Fire is taking swift action to prevent fires.

"We did decide to put out the proclamation from our unit chief this last week on monday to suspend burning efforts here in the samanito and monterey counties due to the fact that we're seeing seasonably warmer weather over the past two weeks we have seen an uptick in vegetation fires that came from escaped control burns," said Rhodes.

According to Rhodes, some fires that broke along the Central Coast were caused by controlled burns.

"Discussed with those landowners. All of them complied with permits in hand. They had the mitigation factors with lines cut around the fire, and water on site. But again, as we start to see the weather warm up and the grass takes off, sometimes it's too quick for those individuals to take action."

Campfires in organized campgrounds or on private property are allowed only if maintained.

"Now is the time to get out there and start putting those mitigation factors in around their property. As we start to see the warmer weather, we are anticipating seeing more fires start around the region," said Rhodes.

Cal Fire says they have had false alarms with people reporting fires, but he says it's a good sign that people are calling them in.