Cal Fire Tulare Unit lifts burn permit suspension

The burn permit suspension in Tulare County State Responsibility Area (SRA) was lifted for hazard reduction burning on Wednesday, the Cal Fire Tulare Unit announced.

Chief Marc Hafner advises property owners can now obtain a valid burn permit at their local Cal Fire station. Those possessing current and valid hazard reduction burn permits can now resume burning on permissible burn days at the determined elevation. Inspections may be required for other agriculture burns and can be verified by contacting San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District (SJVAPCD). SJVAPCD valid permits are always required prior to burning.

Property owners and residents are asked to use caution while conducting debris or agriculture burns, follow all guidelines provided, and maintain control of the fire at all times. Individuals can be held civilly and/or criminally liable for allowing a fire to escape their control and/ or burn onto neighboring property, officials stated.

Residents wishing to burn must verify it is a permissive burn day prior to burning, officials stated, by calling tollfree (877) HAZ-BURN (1-877-429-2876).

Pile Burning Requirements

Only dry, natural vegetative material such as leaves, pine needles and tree trimmings may be burned.

The burning of trash, painted wood or other debris is not allowed.

Do not burn on windy days.

Piles should be no larger than four feet in diameter and in height. You can add to pile as it burns down.

Clear a 10 foot diameter down to bare soil around your piles.

Have a shovel and a water source nearby.

An adult is required to be in attendance of the fire at all times.

Hafner stated, “Safe residential pile burning of forest residue by landowners is a crucial tool in reducing fire hazards. State, federal and local land management and fire agencies will also be utilizing this same window of opportunity to conduct prescribed burns aimed at improving forest health on private and public lands.”

For more information on burning, visit the Cal Fire website at www. fire.ca.gov.