Fire authorities have enacted a burn ban in Santa Clara County due to record-low rainfall, low humidity, dry fuel moisture levels and increased fire activity.
“These conditions are expected to continue with no forecast of significant rainfall in sight,” reads a press release from CalFire, which declared the suspension of all open burning not only in Santa Clara but also in Alameda, Contra Costa, San Mateo, Santa Cruz, and portions of Stanislaus and western San Joaquin counties.
“With recent significant local fire activity in addition to several instances of individuals being cited for violation of this burn ban, CalFire would like to re-emphasize that this ban is necessary for public safety,” the press release continued.
Burning for agricultural, land management, fire training and other industrial purposes may proceed only with a CalFire inspection of the burn site and a special permit, authorities said. Camp fires are allowed only in designated campgrounds, or in established facilities on private property with permission of the landowner and jurisdictional authority.
Those burning under a special permit must also check with the regional air quality management district for additional regulations and requirements, according to the CalFire press release.
