Cal Fire-Butte County pushes spring preparedness
OROVILLE >> Though it’s only early April, now is the time to prepare for fire season.
Cal Fire-Butte County issued a release Friday reminding residents to prepare their homes and property for the fast-approaching fire season, driven by warming weather and vegetation, fed by seasonal rainfall, that will continue to grow and dry out.
Defensible space and home hardening are two of the most important ways to protect your home from the threat of fire, Cal FireButte County said. In February, Butte County adopted a new fire prevention and protection ordinance, including some specifications to defensible space rules. The text of the ordinance can be found at www.buttecounty.net/fire and by clicking “Defensible Space.” Defensible space inspectors are currently in the process of inspecting homes in the county.
“Our defensible space inspectors are here to educate and inform, with the goal of ensuring the safety of everyone in Butte County,” Fire Captain and DSI Program Manager Jake Gilliam said in the release. “We look forward to working with residents toward voluntary compliance with these regulations.”
Cal Fire- Butte County also noted permits are not required at this time for residential burning, though caution must be used when burning debris piles. Before lighting a burn pile, the fire servicer recommends calling the Butte County Air Quality Management District at 530-332-9407 or visiting their website at www. bcaqmd.org to find out if it is a permissible burn day.
Burn permits will be required beginning May 1. More information on burning regulations can be found at www. buttecounty. net/ fire/ Burning. Firefighters have already responded to several burns that escaped control in the county so far this year. Residents may be cited if a burn escapes their control.