Burn Permit Suspension Lifted in Alameda, Contra Costa Counties

The burn permit suspension in Santa Clara, Alameda and Contra Costa counties will be lifted at 8 a.m. this morning, Cal Fire officials said. Cooler temperatures have helped to lower the risk of wildfire, but the region is in its fifth year of drought, so some risk is still present.

Burn permits will still be required, and Cal Fire officials must inspect agriculture burns until the end of the peak fire season. Non-agriculture burns may require inspections as well, depending on Bay Area Air Quality Management District directives, Cal Fire officials said.

Those wishing to burn must verify that it is a burn day, Cal Fire officials said. Bay Area residents can contact the Bay Area Air Quality Management District at (415) 771-6000 or www.baaqmd.gov. Only dry vegetative material like leaves, pine needles and tree trimmings should be burned, Cal Fire officials said. Trash, painted wood and other debris are not allowed to be burned.

Burns are not allowed on windy days, and a shovel and water source should always be nearby, Cal Fire officials said. A 10-foot area cleared to bare soil should be created under the pile, and piles should be no larger than four feet wide and four feet tall, though more can be added as the pile burns down.

By Bay City News

Photo via Shutterstock