Low Rainfall Prompts Burn Ban

Recent low rainfall and humidity levels have prompted the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) to call for a local fire ban in nine counties across the Bay Area including San Mateo.

The other effected counties are Santa Cruz, Alameda, Contra Costa, Santa Clara, San Mateo, Stanislaus, San Benito, Monterey and San Joaquin.

Industrial-type burning at agriculture, land management, fire training and other such sites may proceed if a CAL FIRE official inspects the burn site and issues a permit, according to a CAL FIRE press release. 

Lack of precipitation, the dryness of vegetation, and the increased fire activity triggered the ban, which was issued on Thursday.

“Experience has shown that open burning suspensions effectively aid in preventing fire escapes and significantly reduce the risk and occurrence of large fires,” the CAL FIRE statement said. “This is especially important as these areas are currently experiencing low cumulative rainfall, low humidity, dry fuel moisture levels and increased fire activity.”

CAL FIRE had previously issued a burn ban on Dec. 5, then rescinded it on Dec.12. The new ban goes into effect Friday, Dec. 23 until formally cancelled by CAL FIRE.