Cal Fire suspends burn permits in Tulare County

As Tulare County transitions into summer, Cal Fire has suspended all burn permits within the State Responsibility Area (SRA). This suspension takes effect Tuesday, May 29, and bans all residential outdoor burning of landscape debris like branches and leaves.

To date in 2018, Cal Fire has responded to 18 vegetation fires in Tulare County.

“The recent vegetation fires in the foothills of Tulare County are stark reminders of the importance of defensible space,” said Marc Hafner, Cal Fire Tulare Unit Chief. “Please protect your life and property, as well as the lives of firefighters, by creating and maintaining a minimum of 100 feet defensible space. We’re ready for wildfire; are you?”

Since Jan. 1, 2018, Cal Fire and firefighters across the state have already responded to over 1,283 wildfires that have burned over 7,946 acres.

Here are some tips to help prepare your home and property:

Clear all dead or dying vegetation 100 feet around all structures.

Landscape with fire resistant/drought tolerant plants, especially native species.

Find alternative ways to dispose of landscape debris like chipping or hauling it to a biomass energy facility.

The department may issue restricted temporary burning permits if there is an essential reason due to public health and safety. Agriculture, land management, fire training, and other industrial-type burning may proceed if a Cal Fire official inspects the burn site and issues a special permit.

The suspension of burn permits for residential landscape debris does not apply to campfires within designated campgrounds, established facilities, or on private property. Campfires may be permitted if the campfire is maintained in such a manner as to prevent its spread to the wildland.

A campfire permit can be obtained at local fire stations and online at www.preventwildfireca.org.

For additional information on how to create Defensible Space, as well as tips to prevent wildfires, visit www. Readyforwildfire.org.