Santa Barbara County Fire Department transitions away from high fire season as winter nears
SANTA BARBARA COUNTY, Calif. – Santa Barbara County Fire Department announced it will transition on Dec. 19 from a High Fire Season to a Winter Preparedness Level.
During the Winter Preparedness Level season, permit holders are allowed to ignite burn piles at State Responsibility Areas and Local Responsibility Areas, but only on approved burn days days.
Announced burn days only apply to valid permit holders and are announced daily on a recorded phone line at 805-686-8177 as well as online at www.sbcfire.com/permit-burning.
Valid permits are issued by SB County Fire and only for three categories: agricultural, hazard reduction and residential backyard. Permit holders are required to call the fire department before lighting.
These permits importantly only apply to burn piles and not to the burning of standing vegetation, which is only done by fire departments and land managers.
Even with the transition to a Winter Preparedness Level season, there is still a risk for wildfires across southern California, residents interested in what they can do to limit the risk of fires should check out programs like Ready! Set! Go! and useful tips at www.sbcfire.com.
