Los Angeles County Fire Chief Daryl Osby has declared a ban on residential burning permits in all wildland areas of Los Angeles County beginning July 1. This action is being taken in support of the Governor’s Drought State of Emergency declaration directing CAL FIRE to take actions to protect public safety during times of elevated fire risk.

“We are issuing this ban to take every step possible to prevent wildfires from starting in Los Angeles County,” says Osby. “Their potential to destroy life and property in our County is significant. We have already had several fires this year and it is only the beginning of summer.”

All residential burning permits within State Responsibility Areas under contract to CAL FIRE, which includes several areas within Los Angeles County, will be suspended.  Any previously issued permits will no longer be valid.  The ban will continue in place until formally cancelled by the Los Angeles County Fire Department.

Campfires within organized campgrounds or on private property that are otherwise permitted will continue to be allowed if the campfire is maintained in such a manner as to prevent its spread to the wildland.

For more information, contact Captain Tom Richards in the Public Information Office at (323) 881-2411.

Home destroyed in the Colby Fire, which broke out in the Angeles National Forest above Glendora. Photo: Gene Blevens.