As of Saturday, Santa Barbara County Fire has suspended all burn permits, including agricultural, and has banned open fires. Wildfires are projected to increase throughout the state due to the drought conditions, and the week’s weather is forecast to be in the high 70s and 80s along the coast and in the 80s and 90s in the valley.
The Fire Department’s Capt. Dave Zaniboni reminds all residents that 95 percent of wildfires are human-caused, and that “everyone who lives, works, and plays” in the county must be extra vigilant about fire safety this summer. The ban remains in effect until rain reduces the fire threat.