CAL FIRE declares start of fire season in San Luis Obispo County
SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY, Calif. - Fire season is officially underway in San Luis Obispo County.
CAL FIRE San Luis Obispo declared the start of fire season as of 8 a.m. on June 1 citing the current dry weather conditions and increased fire danger.
“As you guys all look out, you're driving the 101, look to the left, look to the right. You'll see a lot of that dead grass that's fuel loading, that brush, all that has been affected by lack of rain. Therefore, it's super dry and susceptible to anything hot," said Toni Davis with CAL FIRE San Luis Obispo.
This impacts all state responsibility area lands within San Luis Obispo County.
Firefighters are asking people to be prepared for wildfires, which includes maintaining at least 100 feet of defensible space around every home. Make sure you clear all dead or drying brush 100 feet around all structures.
Fire agencies also encourage using fire resistant and drought tolerant plants.
Backyard burning is already suspended and homeowners are encouraged to find other ways to get rid of yard debris, including chipping.
Agricultural burning requires permitting from the Air Pollution Control District as well as CAL FIRE.
CAL FIRE will have extra crew on standby this fire season.
“We'll have 12 engines, nine hand crews, two dozers, two tankers and an air attack," said Davis.
Santa Barbara County's fire season is also officially underway, as declared on May 20th.
