Calfire has suspended open burning in San Benito County due to an increased fire threat, according to a statement from the state agency.
The suspension of open burning affects San Benito and Monterey counties effective Tuesday.
According to the statement from Calfire:
This is due to the increased fire threat, evidenced by continuing fire activity. On average, San Benito and Monterey Counties experience less than 7 vegetation fires in November and December. 2013 has seen 14 vegetation fires so far in the CAL FIRE jurisdiction. Monterey County saw the Pfeiffer fire burn 917 acres in the jurisdiction of the Los Padres National Forest, demonstrating that the threat of fire continues. Further, the weather forecast is for unseasonably dry conditions to continue.
Experience has shown that open burning suspensions effectively aid in preventing fire escapes and significantly reduces the risk and occurrence of large fires. This is especially important as these counties are currently experiencing low cumulative rainfall, low humidity, dry fuel moisture levels and increased fire activity.
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 to specifically exempt a burn from this ban. Campfires are allowed in designated campgrounds, or in established facilities on private property with permission of the landowner and jurisdictional authority. Persons burning under any special permit must also check with their regional air quality management district for addition regulations and requirements.
