Burn restrictions underway in central San Joaquin Valley

California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection announced new burn restrictions for residents in Madera, Mariposa and Merced counties to coincide with existing regulations in Fresno, Kings and Tulare counties.

Chief Nancy B. Koerperich of Cal Fire’s Madera-Mariposa-Merced Unit said that all open-fire burning permits are suspended. These include campfires outside of designated areas within campgrounds and outdoor debris burning. Outdoor smoking is only allowed in vehicles on cleared roads, rest stops or parking areas; in public campgrounds or in areas with no vegetation for three feet in every direction.

Residents of incorporated cities in these three counties are not subject to these rules, Koerperich said. The Cal Fire jurisdiction includes all unincorporated areas east of the Madera Canal, including the foothill areas, of Madera County, as well as all of Mariposa County and the Merced County foothills.

The restrictions went into effect Monday and will last until Cal Fire formally lifts them. Temporary emergency burn permits will be given out to those who can show that burning is essential for reasons of public health, safety or welfare, Koerperich said.

The rules are a preventative measure due to the extreme risk of major fire in the counties, Koerperich said.

The four-year drought and high heat have dried vegetation, and fire officials from the various Cal Fire and National Forest Service stations expect to tighten regulations as the weather grows hotter.

Fresno and Kings counties have had similar restrictions in place since April 20.

Tulare County has had limits on outdoor debris burning since April 20, but it currently does not have additional smoking or campfire restrictions in place.

The Cal Fire restrictions do not have any effect on any nationally owned land, such as Yosemite National Park or the Sierra National Forest.

The Sierra National Forest has had similar restrictions on campfires, smoking and outdoor burning in effect since May 1.

Yosemite currently has no emergency burning restrictions.

This story was originally published June 16, 2015 at 1:56 PM with the headline "Burn restrictions underway in central San Joaquin Valley."