Open burns were banned starting Monday in a number of Bay Area counties to limit the risk as fire season gets underway, Cal Fire said.
The burn ban is effective in Alameda, Contra Costa, Santa Clara, San Mateo, Santa Cruz, Stanislaus, San Benito, Monterey and western San Joaquin counties, according to Division Chief Rich Sampson.
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"Experience has shown that open burning suspensions effectively aid in preventing fire escapes and significantly reduce the risk of and occurrence of large fires," Sampson said in a statement.
"This is especially important as these counties are currently experiencing low cumulative rainfall, low humidity, dry fuel moisture levels and increased fire activity."
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Burns can still take place for agriculture, land management and fire training, but only with a Cal Fire permit. Campfires are still allowed in designated campgrounds and on private property.
For more information on how to prepare for and prevent wildfires, go to www.readyforwildfire.org.
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