CALFIRE IS SUSPENDING ALL OPEN BURNING IN SANTA CRUZ, SAN BENITO, AND MONTEREY COUNTIES EFFECTIVE TODAY (THURS). THE DEPARTMENT EMPHASIZES THAT THE BAN IS NECESSARY FOR PUBLIC SAFETY. INDUSTRIAL BURNING WILL REQUIRE A SPECIAL PERMIT AS WELL AS A CHECK-IN WITH THE REGIONAL AIR QUALITY MANAGEMENT DISTRICT. WITH ONGOING DROUGHT CONDITIONS, OFFICIALS ASK THE PUBLIC TO TAKE EXTRA CARE TO PREVENT FIRES.
