Wind Caused Burn Suspension Lifted

Officials from the San Bernardino Unit of Cal Fire have lifted the wind caused burn suspension effective 6:00 A.M. today Monday, December 12, 2011. Fire Prevention Battalion Chief Preston Fouts says “burning will be allowed until weather conditions require the burn suspension to be reinstituted.” According to Chief Fouts, each request for a burn permit will be accompanied with a physical inspection of the property. There will also be special instructions placed on the permits such as; extra clearing, making sure that there is a charged water source immediately available and tools are at hand. “While rain is predicted, fire conditions remain difficult. We want to allow residents in those areas that are able to burn to do so. With the personal inspections prior to the issuance of the burn permit and cooperating weather, we feel confident that with the property owners as partners in prevention with Cal Fire, we can reduce some of the current fire potential” said Unit Chief Tim McClelland.

It is important to realize that the moisture levels in the wildland vegetation remain dangerously low. “It continues to be important for homeowners to harden their properties against the potential of wildland fires” said Chief McClelland. Property owners need to maintain the 100 foot clearance (or to the property line). To find out more about how to comply with the fire clearance laws or to find out ways to harden your home against wildfire, you can contact your local fire department, CAL FIRE or go to the CAL FIRE web site at http://www.fire.ca.gov/ or http://www.readyforwildfire.org/ .

CAL FIRE Crews assist San Bernardino City

CAL FIRE crews have been working in a variety of locations in the City of San Bernardino assisting with the storm clean up. Three crews from the CAL FIRE Fenner Conservation Camp are working to help get as much of the storm damage cleaned up as possible. The hurricane winds that blew through the area Wednesday night into Thursday morning blew debris everywhere, broke off tree branches, knocked full grown trees down and in a few instances, these mature trees caused additional damage to cars and other property.


Working with an agreement with the San Bernardino City Parks Department, the crews have been moving about the city cutting up downed trees and helping to pick up debris along the streets and rights of way. It is undetermined at this point how many days the crews will be assisting in the city.

CAL FIRE along with other fire agencies continue their storm preparedness of staffing additional state wildland fire engines, dozers, fire crews, and aircraft. These state resources will be positioned throughout the state to allow for rapid response into communities and watershed areas that may be affected by a fast moving wildfire.

Residents are encouraged to exercise extreme caution when in or near the wildland or open areas to prevent a fire. It is important that everyone monitor the weather and be on the lookout for fires. If fires occur in the area be prepared to follow all instructions of fire and law enforcement officials if an evacuation is ordered. Winds of the forecasted velocity can cause conditions to change rapidly and the public is encouraged to review “Ready, Set, Go” procedures at http://www.readyforwildfire.org/.