BUTTE COUNTY, CA (MPG) – As the warm weather warms up and vegetation, fed by seasonal rainfall, grows and dries out, CAL FIRE/Butte County Fire Department reminds residents that now is the time to prepare your home and property for the approaching fire season.

Defensible Space and Home Hardening are two of the most important ways you can protect your home from the threat of fire. In February 2021, the county adopted a new Fire Prevention Ordinance, which included some additions to the Defensible Space rules. The text of the ordinance can be found at www.buttecounty.net/fire and click “Defensible Space.” Defensible Space Inspectors are here to educate and reform, with the goal of ensuring the safety of everyone in Butte County,” says Fire Captain Jake Gilliam, DSI Program Manager: “We look forward to working with residents toward voluntary compliance with these regulations.

Currently permits are not required for residential burning, but as always, caution must be used when you are burning your debris piles. Before you light you burn pile each day, be sure to call the Butte County Air Quality Management District at 530-332-9407 or visit their website at www.bcaqmd.org to find out if it is a permissible burn day.

Burn permits will be required by May 1, 2021. You can find all burning regulations at www.buttecounty.net/fire/burning. Be aware that we have had several escaped control burns in Butte County already this year. Although permits are not currently required, you can still be cited if your burn escapes your control.