BUTTE COUNTY, CA (MPG) - Following a period of critically dry conditions, California experienced a very wet winter that filled reservoirs and put an end to years of drought. The plentiful precipitation also caused significant vegetation growth in Butte County. No matter how much rain the area receives throughout winter and spring, however, the abundant grass crop dries out as the temperature rises and humidity drops.

While wildfires are a natural part of California’s landscape, the increasing fire danger posed by dead grass and hotter, drier conditions in the region are prompting CAL FIRE to suspend all burn permits for outdoor residential burning within the State Responsibility Area of Butte County. This suspension goes into effect Monday, June 17, 2024, and bans all residential outdoor burning of landscape debris such as branches and leaves.

“We encourage residents to use the next 4 days to finish any debris burning that may help you achieve your defensible space goals,” says Garrett Sjolund, CAL FIRE/Butte County Fire Department Fire Chief. “But we urge caution as the risk of an escaped control burn is rising with the temperature.”

As of June 10, CAL FIRE and firefighters across the state have responded to 1,769 wildfires that have burned more than 31,995 acres this year.

After outdoor burning of landscape debris by homeowners is no longer allowed, CAL FIRE is asking residents to continue preparing their home for wildfire by creating defensible space and hardening your home.

Here are some tips to help prepare homes and property:

Clear all dead and dying vegetation 100 feet from around all structures, landscape with fire resistant plants and non-flammable ground cover, and find alternative ways to dispose of landscape debris like chipping or hauling it to a biomass energy or green waste facility.

The department may issue restricted temporary burning permits if there is an essential reason due to public health and safety. Agriculture, land management, fire training, and other industrial type burning may proceed if a CAL FIRE official inspects the burn site and issues a special permit.

The burn permit suspension applies to all areas of Butte County except within the city limits of Gridley

and Biggs. For up-to-date burning regulations, visit the Burning page at ButteCounty.net/Fire.

The suspension of burn permits for residential landscape debris does not apply to campfires within organized campgrounds or on private property. Campfires may be permitted if the campfire is maintained in such a manner as to prevent its spread to the wildland. A valid campfire permit is required and can be obtained online at ReadyForWildfire.org.

For additional information on how to create Defensible Space, Home Hardening, Evacuation Planning and how to be prepared for wildfires, as well as tips to prevent wildfires, visit BeReadyButte.com.