Community Corner
Ban On Open Burning Of Debris Begins In Riverside County
Campfires allowed, but only in designated areas within campgrounds. Wildfire risk is too high, officials said.
RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA – Permits to burn landscape debris will be suspended in unincorporated Riverside County communities beginning today and continuing for the duration of wildfire season, which, in Southern California, generally spans May to November.
The ban was triggered after Cal Fire authorities determined the danger of inadvertent fires breaking out in dead grass was too high.
"Cal Fire and the Riverside County Fire Department encourage residents to be prepared for wildfires," Chief John Hawkins said. "Please comply with the implemented open burning suspension. It is put in place for you and for the safety of our firefighters."
The ban strictly prohibits burning deadwood, fallen branches and leaves. The restriction does not apply to cities, which issue their own permits, or to farmers clearing land in the Coachella and Palo Verde valleys for agricultural rehabilitation, according to Hawkins.
The fire department will continue to issue temporary permits for cooking fires in places where no alternative means of preparing food is available. Warming fires will also be permitted "when weather conditions exist to justify the request," Hawkins said.
Campfires will be allowed, but only in designated areas within campgrounds.
Due to the heavy winter rains, vegetation is overgrown and tinderbox dry in many locations, according to the fire department.
The agency urged property owners to maintain 100 feet of "defensible space" around structures, clearing brush that might otherwise fuel a fire.
More information about the ban, how to take precautions to protect property and obtain various permits is available here: www.ReadyforWildfire.org .
RECENT FIRE-RELATED COVERAGE IN THE AREA:
--City News Service/Morguefile image
