Borrego Sun - Since 1949

Effective June 26, CAL FIRE/San Diego County Fire has suspended all outdoor residential burning within the State Responsibility Areas of San Diego and Imperial counties. This suspension bans all residential outdoor burning of landscape debris and leaves, according to a news release from County Fire Chief Tony Mecham, who noted the warming and dry conditions prompted for the suspension.

Even though the burning of landscape debris is prohibited, CAL FIRE recommends that residents maintain 100 feet of defensible space and continue to harden their homes.

“I ask that residents continue to maintain their defensible space and harden their homes. This will reduce the risk of ignition of their property from heat, flames, and wildfire embers,” Mecham said.

This suspension comes as Drought conditions remain a concern throughout the state, despite a wet winter. Fire officials say a single season of wet and snowy conditions is not enough to recover from below-normal precipitation in the three years prior. Despite a reduction in wildfires this year due to unusual conditions, the prolonged Drought has lead to significant loads of dead vegetation, and the abundant rain is producing a crop of fine grasses and other vegetation. This could be a cause for concern as drying and warming in the summer months could turn this into a fuel for wildfires.

Cal Fire provided the following tips to consider when preparing your property:

• Utilize fire-resistant materials to protect your home from wildfire.

• Create and maintain 100 feet of defensible space around your home.

• Find alternative ways to dispose of landscape debris, such as chipping or using a bio-mass or green waste disposal site.

This does not apply to campfires within organized campgrounds or private property. You can obtain a campfire permit at your local fire station.

For more information on home hardening and defensible space visit ReadyForWildfire.org, and for information on emergency updates please visit AlertSD.org.