San Diego burn ban lifted

SAN DIEGO (CNS) – The months-long ban on open burning on lands in areas protected by Cal Fire in the San Diego area will be lifted on Monday, state fire officials announced Saturday.

Starting Monday, residents will be allowed to burn dry, natural vegetative materials such as pine needles and tree trimmings. The burn piles must not be more than 4 feet in diameter, be surrounded by a 10-foot clearance area and must not contain household garbage, according to Cal Fire.

Those burning debris will be required to have a water source nearby, do so under the supervision of a responsible adult and cease from burning on windy days.

Although recent rainfall and cooler temperatures have helped lessen the risk for wildfires in San Diego County, Cal Fire asked that resident remain cautious while conducting debris burns. Burn projects must be completed between 8:15 a.m. and 3 p.m. and permits are required.

Cal Fire officials said property owners may be held liable if a fire burns out of control or damages neighboring property.