Wine Country Times

Congressman Mike Thompson warned California residents across Sonoma, Lake, Napa, Solano, Yolo and Colusa Counties of outdoor burning prohibitions established by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, which began on May 10 after midnight.  

"Sonoma County Residents: Please be advised that @CAL_FIRE has put in place a burn suspension which bans all outdoor burning due to the dry conditions in our region," Thompson tweeted.

According to a press release by Sonoma County, it’s the second year the state has had to battle a disorderly wildlife season as climate change causes them to become more long-lasting and powerful each year. The severe flames are caused by a combination of rising summer temperatures, less snowfall, dead grass and lack of moisture on vegetation.

The burning prohibition is drafted in accordance with Sonoma County Code Section 13-72.1, which suggests a similar suspension in Sonoma County. The ban includes all agricultural and forest-like areas, as well as fire training performances and other industrial projects, including the elimination of branches and leaves. Burning procedures approved by CAL FIRE, under local fire chief at the LRA’s discretion, are allowed upon passing inspection and permit requirements. 

The increasingly grave and dry season also poses health risks to the surrounding public. Burning suspensions became effective this week, and will remain in effect until the organization deems it the end of a fire-risk season. Those who violate the burning suspensions will be subjected to citations, fines, fire call costs, among other fees.

"It's clear that with climate change we will have to rethink the idea of what our water supply will come each year with annual precipitation," Glen McGourty, Mendocino County Farm Advisor, noted.