Outdoor Burning Ban Lifted for Santa Cruz County

By Bay City News Service

Cal Fire is lifting suspensions on permits for outdoor agricultural and residential burning on Monday in San Benito, Santa Cruz and Monterey counties, Cal Fire officials said Saturday.

Cal Fire officials also announced that they were dropping the suspensions in neighboring San Mateo, Santa Clara, Alameda and Contra Costa counties.

Most of the suspensions were introduced in June with the aim of reducing the risk of wildfires during the drought.

The suspensions are now being lifted and those possessing valid permits can now resume burning on days when it is permitted, Cal Fire officials said.

Though Cal Fire officials said cooler temperatures have diminished the wildfire threat, they are still advising caution when burning.

Among other guidelines, Cal Fire asks people to only burn dry, natural vegetation such as leaves, pine needles and tree trimmings.

The piles of vegetation cannot be larger than four feet in diameter and in height, and a 10-foot soil perimeter must be cleared around the piles.

Certain burning requires prior inspections by Cal Fire.

To inquire about inspections -- as well as whether it’s a permitted burn day -- people are asked to call Bay Area Air Quality Management District at (415) 771-6000.

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