Burn Restrictions For North Bay Still In Effect, Cal Fire Says

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA — Restrictions on open burning remain in effect in the parts of Sonoma, Lake, Napa, Solano, Colusa and Yolo counties that Cal Fire is responsible for even though the weather has been cool and moist, Cal Fire officials said Monday.

Cal Fire spokesman Scott McLean said vegetation in the area is still dry and won't recoup its moisture for several years. Catastrophic fires are still possible this season.

Also, September and October are historically the most dangerous in the state and in the North Bay for wildfires.

Cal Fire officials said they are monitoring the weather and fire danger level and will lift the restrictions when it's safe.

Shana Jones, unit chief for the Sonoma-Lake-Napa unit is asking that residents be aware that one spark can start a wildfire.

Residents are asked to stop using outdoor power equipment at 10 a.m. rather than during the hottest part of the day and when the wind is blowing.

Residents are also asked to avoid using lawn mowers for mowing dry vegetation, to cut dry weeds and grass with a weed trimmer that has a string line and be sure ashes from wood stoves are extinguished before they are dumped.

More information about preparing for and preventing wildfires can be found at Readyforwildfire.org or by calling a local Cal Fire facility.

— Bay City News Service