Ban on burn permits to be lifted

Homeowners and growers will soon be allowed to burn that pile of leaves and branches. Cal Fire announced Friday that its suspension of burn permits in Monterey and San Benito counties will be lifted on Monday, October 31.

Burn permits were suspended April 14, 2015 due to high fire danger in the state but higher relative humidity, improved weather conditions, and increased availability of fire protection resources will allow for the resumption of permitted burning.

Anyone wishing to burn must have a current and valid permit, and verify it is a permitted burn day with the Monterey Bay Air Resources District at (831) 647-9411.

Agricultural burns must be inspected by Cal Fire prior to burning. Inspections may also be required for non-agricultural burns.

Cal Fire officials say only dry, natural materials such as tree trimmings may be burned. The burning of trash, painted wood and other debris is not allowed.

Cal Fire requires a 10-foot diameter space of bare soil around burn piles. There are also size and height limitations.

For more information on burning, visit the Cal Fire website. Click here.