Camino, CA June 26, 2023 — In response to escalating fire risks caused by dry conditions and the abundance of dead grass, CAL FIRE has decided to suspend all burn permits for outdoor residential burning within the State Responsibility Areas of El Dorado county. This burn ban extends into the Local Responsibility Area in the City of Placerville. This measure, effective from midnight on Monday, June 26, aims to mitigate the potential dangers associated with outdoor burning, such as the spread of wildfires.

The decision to suspend burn permits was prompted by the assessment of experts who noted the heightened fire danger due to warming temperatures and winds that are rapidly drying out the annual grass crop. CAL FIRE officials, including AEU Chief Mike Blankenheim, have expressed concerns about the unacceptable risk of starting a wildfire through debris burning in the Amador-El Dorado Unit (AEU).

Chief Mike Blankenheim stated, "Although debris burning is useful to reduce flammable vegetation, the conditions in the AEU have reached the point where debris burning poses an unacceptable risk of starting a wildfire, and it is no longer safe for the public to perform these types of burns."

While homeowners are prohibited from engaging in outdoor burning of landscape debris like branches and leaves, CAL FIRE is urging residents to utilize this time to prepare for potential wildfires. They are encouraging individuals to establish a defensible space of at least 100 feet around their homes and other structures on their properties. Additionally, residents are advised to be prepared for evacuation if necessary.

To assist homeowners in their preparedness efforts, CAL FIRE has provided some crucial tips, including:

• Clearing all dead and dying vegetation within 100 feet of structures.
• Landscaping with fire-resistant plants and non-flammable ground cover.
• Exploring alternative methods of disposing landscape debris, such as chipping or transporting it to biomass energy or green waste facilities.

In exceptional cases where public health and safety are at stake, CAL FIRE may issue restricted temporary burning permits. These permits are subject to inspection by a CAL FIRE official at the burn site before being granted. Activities such as agriculture, land management, fire training, and other industrial-type burning may proceed under these circumstances.

It's important to note that the suspension of burn permits specifically applies to residential landscape debris and does not extend to campfires within organized campgrounds or private properties. Campfires are permitted as long as they are maintained responsibly and prevent any potential spread to the wildland. Individuals interested in having a campfire should obtain a permit, which can be acquired from local fire stations or through the website https://www.readyforwildfire.org/permits/campfire-permit/.

For further information on creating defensible space, wildfire preparedness, and essential tips for preventing wildfires, residents are encouraged to visit www.ReadyForWildfire.org.