Wildfire Risk: Burn Permits Suspended In 5 Northern California Counties

Michael

3 min read

Post on Jun 20, 2025

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Wildfire Risk Soars: Burn Permits Suspended in Five Northern California Counties

Extreme fire danger forces immediate action across Butte, Plumas, Shasta, Siskiyou, and Tehama counties.

Northern California is facing a critical wildfire risk, prompting emergency measures to protect communities and prevent devastating blazes. Five counties – Butte, Plumas, Shasta, Siskiyou, and Tehama – have announced the immediate suspension of all burn permits, effective immediately. This drastic action underscores the severity of the current conditions and the heightened risk of wildfires spreading rapidly.

The suspension impacts all types of burning, including agricultural burns, debris burning, and even small recreational fires. This is not a decision taken lightly; officials are emphasizing the urgency of the situation and the need for public cooperation to prevent a catastrophic wildfire season. Recent dry weather, strong winds, and low humidity have created a tinderbox across the region, making even the smallest spark a potential disaster.

Why the Burn Permit Suspension is Crucial

The decision to suspend burn permits is a proactive measure aimed at mitigating the risk of wildfires. Several factors contributed to this critical decision:

• Extreme Drought Conditions: Northern California has experienced prolonged drought, leaving vegetation exceptionally dry and highly flammable.
• High Winds: Strong winds are predicted, which can quickly spread even small fires over vast areas.
• Low Humidity: Low humidity further exacerbates the dry conditions, increasing the fire risk significantly.
• Past Wildfire Damage: Many areas are still recovering from past wildfires, leaving behind large amounts of dead and dry fuel that could reignite easily.

This combination of factors creates a perfect storm for devastating wildfires, necessitating immediate action. Failing to take preventative measures now could lead to uncontrollable fires, threatening homes, businesses, and lives.

What Residents Can Do

While the burn permit suspension is in place, residents are urged to take the following precautions:

• Practice fire safety: Be extremely cautious with any potential ignition sources, such as power equipment, campfires, and discarded cigarettes.
• Clear defensible space: Create a buffer zone around your home by removing flammable vegetation. Learn more about on the Ready for Wildfire website.
• Stay informed: Monitor weather forecasts and official announcements for updates on fire danger and any potential evacuations. Check local news outlets and the websites of your county's fire department for the latest information.
• Prepare an evacuation plan: Have a plan in place for quickly evacuating your home if necessary, including identifying escape routes and assembling a go-bag with essential items.

The suspension of burn permits will remain in effect until conditions improve significantly. Cal Fire and local fire departments will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updates as they become available. The safety and well-being of the community is the top priority during this critical period. Let's work together to prevent devastating wildfires.

Stay informed and stay safe. For more information, contact your local fire department or visit the Cal Fire website.

Keywords: Wildfire, California, Burn Permits, Fire Danger, Drought, Wildfire Risk, Northern California, Butte County, Plumas County, Shasta County, Siskiyou County, Tehama County, Cal Fire, Fire Safety, Evacuation Plan, Defensible Space.