San Andreas, CA…Over the weekend, the CAL FIRE Tuolumne-Calaveras Unit (TCU) has responded to four illegal debris burns, resulting in three criminal citations issued and one District Attorney case referral. TCU reminds everyone that vegetation fires from debris burning ARE PREVENTABLE by following the terms of a burn permit.

On Saturday, November 11, 2023 at 1:00 PM, TCU responded to an escaped debris burn with no required clearance near Teda Blvd. and N. Tuolumne Road in Tuolumne, CA. and a citation was issued for violation of PRC 4422(b) after the first full definition one as “allowing a fire to escape control.”

On Saturday, November 11, 2023 at 2:09 PM TCU responded to a wildland fire near Wards Ferry Rd and Deer Creek Road in Groveland, CA. The fire burned approximately one acre of vegetation and the cause was determined to be an escaped debris burn with no required clearance. A citation was issued for violation of PRC 4422(b) after the first full definition one as “allowing a fire to escape control.”

On Sunday, November 12, 2023 at 11:00 AM TCU responded to a escaped debris burn near the 4800 blk. Baldwin St. Rancho Calaveras, CA. The oversized burn pile escaped with no required clearance, and the fire burned an approximately 2.1 acres of vegetation. This case was referred to the Calaveras County District Attorney’s Office.
On Sunday, November 12, 2023 at 3:13 PM TCU responded to a wildland fire near Oxyoke Ln. and Little John Dr. Copperopolis, CA. The 3.6 acres of vegetation was determined to be caused by an escaped debris burn that had no required clearance. A citation was issued for violation of PRC 4422(b) after the first full definition one as “allowing a fire to escape control.”

CAL FIRE TCU reminds everyone to ensure they have a CAL FIRE Burn Permit (https://burnpermit.fire.ca.gov/) when conducting burning operations. Follow all the terms listed on the permit. Specifically, maintain ten feet of clearance around the burn pile, a maximum pile size of four feet diameter and having a responsible person in attendance at all times, with a shovel and a water supply, until the fire is out cold. Furthermore, individuals choosing to debris burn can be held criminally responsible should their fire escape their control.

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