Effective May 1, Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire Chief Robert Fish is suspending all burn permits for outdoor residential burning within the State Responsibility Area (SRA) of Riverside County. The suspension bands all residential outdoor burning of landscape debris, such as branches and leaves. Agricultural burning in the Palo Verde Valley and Coachella Valley is authorized as required for agricultural rehabilitation.
The suspension is due to warming temperatures and strong winds rapidly drying out the annual grasses and vegetation throughout Riverside County, which creates a dense layer of dry fuel, significantly increasing the risk of wildfires.
“As rising temperatures and increasingly dry vegetation heighten the risk of wildfires, I urge residents to prepare their homes by clearing defensible space and removing excess brush to help protect their properties and reduce community-wide fire danger,” Chief Fish said. “The burn suspension will remain in place until conditions improve and it is safe to resume open burning.”
While outdoor burning of landscape debris by homeowners is prohibited, Cal Fire is asking residents to take extra time to ensure that they are prepared for wildfires by maintaining a minimum of 100 feet of defensible space around every home and building on their property and being prepared to evacuate if the time comes.
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 organized campgrounds 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 or online at PreventWildfireCA.org.
For information on how to create defensible space, how to be prepared for wildfires, or tips for preventing wildfires, visit www.ReadyForWildfire.org.
