Already, thousands of acres of California are burning. As a result, over the week-end, the southern regional head of Cal Fire declared major fire restrictions.

Candace Gregory, Southern Region Chief of Cal Fire, issued a proclamation suspending burning permits and other uses of open fire in 24 California counties. The Cal Fire proclamation says fire use has been restricted “due to the menace of wildfires and their potential to destroy life and property, current and predicted fire weather and other factors….”

As a result all residential burning permits are suspended as of 4pm on Saturday. The lands include State Responsibility Areas and Local Responsibility Areas under contract to Cal Fire in 24 counties, including Inyo and Mono. Also, agricultural, forest management, hazard abatement and other industrial-type burning is suspended.

Campfires within organized campgrounds or on private property are allowed if the campfire is maintained in such a manner as to prevent the campfire from spreading to the wildland vegetation.

Locally, Lone Pine Fire Department had earlier suspended burning permits. Other local fire agencies had not earlier suspended permits but had said they would eventually follow state directives.

As the Fourth of July holiday approaches, all fire officials urge caution and extremely careful use of fire.

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