Outdoor Burning Suspended In San Mateo County

SAN MATEO COUNTY, CA — The Cal Fire San Mateo-Santa Cruz Unit suspended outdoor burning Friday as California firefighters remain stretched thin battling blazes raging across the state.

The change is slated to go into effect noon Friday in areas designated as state or local responsibility areas across the Peninsula.

Campfires, warming fires and ceremonial fires are banned, Cal Fire said in a statement. Above-ground, charcoal-only barbecues may be OK in certain picnic areas or campgrounds but firefighters reminded residents that they will be liable for any fires that may be sparked.

Cal Fire also asked people to keep 100 feet of defensible space around all homes.

The announcement came early Friday morning as firefighters battled more than a dozen wildfires across the state.

This year California saw 7,000 wildfires that scorched 1.9 million acres and destroyed 3,000 buildings, according to Cal Fire.