EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. (October 13, 2023) – CAL FIRE’s Amador-El Dorado Unit Chief, Mike Blankenheim, has officially announced the lifting of burn permit suspensions in certain areas, effective at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 14.
Here are the key details:
- Areas Affected: The suspension of burn permits will be revoked solely in the State Responsibility Areas of the Lake Tahoe Basin and Alpine County. This decision comes as a response to favorable weather and vegetation conditions in these areas, which have lowered the risk of wildfires.
- Areas Still Under Suspension: The burn permit suspension will, however, remain in effect for Amador County, El Dorado County (west of Echo Summit), and Sacramento County. These regions will continue to uphold the suspension until further notice.
- Ongoing Vigilance: Even with the relaxation of restrictions in Lake Tahoe Basin and Alpine County, CAL FIRE emphasizes its commitment to maintaining fully staffed facilities until the arrival of sufficient rainfall allows for a gradual reduction of fire control resources. The priority will be to continue ongoing fuel reduction initiatives.
- Future Suspensions: CAL FIRE is ready to re-impose the burn suspension in case adverse fire weather conditions make a return, indicating the agency’s proactive stance on wildfire prevention.
- Burn Permits: CAL FIRE burn permits are mandatory for any burning activities. They can be conveniently acquired online. Those already holding valid agricultural and residential burn permits may resume burning on permissible burn days in the Lake Tahoe Basin and Alpine County. Agricultural burns will require CAL FIRE inspections until the peak fire season concludes, and other burns may require inspections, as determined by your local Air Quality Management District.
This decision by CAL FIRE reflects the ongoing effort to balance wildfire risk reduction with the need for controlled vegetation management. As always, residents are encouraged to stay informed about local regulations and exercise extreme caution during burning activities.
Stay tuned for further updates on this evolving situation, and remember to check local regulations before any outdoor burning activities. Your safety and the prevention of wildfires remain top priorities.
Source:
CAL FIRE's Amador-El Dorado Unit
