Local Burn Ban To Be Lifted

Effective November 4, 2003, at 8 a.m. the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CDF), will lift the suspension of burning on private lands within the Tuolumne/Calaveras Unit.

The CDF released this information Monday afternoon.

Additionally, hours of burning will be opened to 24 hours a day. Burning permits are still required and will be until the end of declared fire season. Burn permits are available at all CDF stations, which will remain open until the end of fire season. Burning is only allowed on permissive burn days as declared by the local Air Pollution Control District (APCD).

CDF’s Tuolumne-Calaveras Unit Chief, Fred McVay urges local residents to use caution and abide by all the fire safety conditions of their burn permit as the effects of the recent storm can quickly be erased by a day of dry windy weather. Permitees who allow their fires to escape are liable for criminal citation, and payment of suppression costs. Chief McVay adds that residents should contact their local APCD for information regarding their permit regulations.

For burn day information, call the following numbers: Calaveras County, 754-6600; Tuolumne County, 533-5598; and in the Copperopolis Area, 785-7664.