San Andreas – Monday, January 27, 2014 at 8AM, the Tuolumne-Calaveras Unit of the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) will suspend outdoor burning within State Responsibility Areas of Tuolumne County, Calaveras County, Eastern Stanislaus County and Eastern San Joaquin County. These restrictions will remain in effect until further notice

Statewide, California is experiencing record-breaking low rainfall, low humidity, and low fuel moisture levels, along with higher than normal temperatures and increased fire activity. These conditions are expected to continue.

Tuolumne-Calaveras Unit Chief Josh White emphasizes that banning outdoor burning is necessary for public safety. “We know this makes it more difficult for property owners who are trying to reduce the flammable vegetation on their property, and we encourage them to continue to create defensible space. Unfortunately, the unusually dry conditions have made burning unsafe. This suspension of outdoor burning is essential for the safety of all our communities. We are monitoring the weather conditions daily, and plan to lift the suspension if normal winter weather patterns return.”

At this time, campfires are still permitted on Stanislaus National Forest land, in designated campgrounds, and on private property with permission of the landowner and jurisdictional authority.

CAL FIRE reminds everyone that it is their individual responsibility to use fire safely and to prevent fires. Visit www.ReadyforWildfire.org for more information on how to prepare for and prevent wildfires, or your nearest CAL FIRE facility.