A ban on open burning for agricultural operations and clearing excess foliage on residential properties, with some limitations, in portions of Riverside County with be lifted because of the onset of cool, wet weather, Fire Department Chief Shawn Newman announced Friday.
Open burning privileges will be restored Monday in unincorporated areas, though permits will still be required, the fire department announced.
“Cooler temperatures, higher humidity and winter weather have helped to begin to diminish the threat of wildfire,” according to a department statement. “Property owners and residents are asked to use caution while conducting debris or agricultural burns, follow all guidelines provided, and maintain control of the fire at all times.”
Outdoor burning was restricted in the spring due to concerns about extremely dry conditions raising wildfire risks.
Fire department officials said burning can be conducted after Monday, but permits will need to be obtained from local fire stations ahead of time. Permit-holders will be limited on when they can light fires to clear brush, being careful not to set fires on windy days.
No trash can be set alight, and no painted wood or similar products can be burned.
Officials also noted that burn piles must be no larger than four feet wide and four feet high, set inside a 10-foot diameter space that is clear of any vegetation.
An adult must be present during all burns, and the responsible party must have a shovel and water source handy in the event the fire spreads beyond the designated space.
“Safe residential pile burning of forest residue by landowners is a crucial tool in reducing fire hazards,” the fire department said. “State, federal and local land management and fire agencies will also be utilizing this same window of opportunity to conduct prescribed burns aimed at improving forest health on private and public lands.”
More information is available at www.fire.ca.gov.