Escaped Debris Burns A Growing Concern

San Andreas, CA — As vegetation is drying out in the Mother Lode, if you are going to be burning, make sure you have a valid permit, and follow its directions.

That is the word from CAL Fire after two escape debris burns have occurred in just the past couple of days in Calaveras County, each being around five acres in size.

CAL Fire Battalion Chief Matt Gilbert says, “Had the property owners had a valid burn permit from CAL Fire, and followed the terms and conditions of that permit, those fires most likely could have been prevented. The terms and conditions predominantly are having 10 ft. of clearance around the pile, and the pile size being limited to 4 ft. in size, along with having a responsible person in attendance with a shovel and a water supply.”

Gilbert notes that burn permits can be picked up at local fire stations. The fires have been located near Airola Ranch Road and Goodell Road.