The following is a press release issued by the Cal Fire Mendocino Unit:
The Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) Mendocino Unit is
suspending residential/dooryard outdoor burn permits. This suspension takes effect Monday, May 17, 2021
at 12:01 a.m.
The increasing fire danger posed by dead grass and hotter, drier conditions in the region is prompting CAL
FIRE to suspend all burn permits for outdoor residential burning within the State Responsibility Area
of Mendocino County. No burning of landscape debris, such as branches and leaves, is allowed.
California is entering its second consecutive dry year and braces for what could be another
devastating wildfire season. While wildfires are a natural part of California’s landscape, the fire season in
California and across the West is starting earlier and ending later each year. Climate change is considered a
key driver of this trend. Warmer spring and summer temperatures, reduced snowpack, and earlier spring
snowmelt create longer and more intense dry seasons that increase moisture stress on vegetation and make
forests more susceptible to severe wildfire.
“Last year, California experienced its most destructive fire season in the states known history. Together, we
must continue to adapt and evolve to be able to withstand the intensity of these fires, keeping in mind, that
the only way to minimize the damage they cause is through education, prevention and mitigation efforts,”
said Chief Thom Porter, CAL FIRE Director. “We are relying on the public to be ready.”
“Help all your firefighters be successful, prepare your property now” Unit Chief George Gonzalez
While outdoor burning of landscape debris by homeowners is no longer allowed, CAL FIRE is asking
residents to take that 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.
Here are some tips to help prepare homes and property:
- Clear all dead and or dying vegetation 100 feet from around all structures.
- Landscape with fire resistant plants and non-flammable ground cover.
- Find altemative ways to dispose of landscape debris like chipping or hauling it to a biomass energy or green waste 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
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 Prevent WildfireCA.org.
For additional information on how to create Defensible Space,Home Hardening, Evacuation Planning and
how to be prepared for wildfires, as well as tips to prevent wildfires, visit www.ReadyForWildfire.org.
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