BUTTE COUNTY, Calif. - CAL FIRE Butte County's Department Chief, David Hawks, officially announced the beginning of 2019 wildfire season.
The season goes into effect on May 20, 2019, at 8 a.m.
The wet winter led to prolific grass and brush growth in the North State provide forest fire fuels, Hawks said.
The declaration of wildfire season allows the department to increase staffing levels at strategically located fire stations throughout the county.
“Nobody wants a repeat of the devastating fire activity we saw last year throughout California and especially right here in Butte County,” Chief Hawks says. “When you provide the defense around your home, it allows us to go on offense and minimize the damage.”
The department is also reminding Butte County residents that burn permits have been required since May 1.