CAL FIRE Lifts Burn Permit Suspension in San Benito and Monterey Counties

Monterey, CA – Effective Monday, December 21, 2020 at 8:00 a.m., the burn permit suspension in San Benito and Monterey Counties will be lifted. CAL FIRE San Benito-Monterey Acting Unit Chief Reno DiTullio Jr. is formally cancelling the burn permit suspension and advises that those possessing current and valid agriculture and residential burn permits can now resume burning on permissible burn days. Agriculture burns must be inspected by CAL FIRE prior to burning until the end of the peak fire season. Inspections may be required for burns other than agriculture burns as well. This can be verified by contacting the Monterey Bay Air Resources District (MBARD). CAL FIRE burn permits will be required. Residential burn permits are available at https://burnpermit.fire.ca.gov/. While cooler temperatures have helped to diminish the threat of wildfire, property owners and residents are asked to use caution while conducting debris or agriculture burns. Always use caution when burning, 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. Residents wishing to burn MUST verify it is a permissive burn day prior to burning. http://mbard.org/ or (800) 225-2876. Pile Burning Requirements • Only dry, natural vegetative material such as 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 the 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. 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. ###