June 5, 2012 — The Lassen-Modoc-Plumas Unit (LMU) of Calfire will officially declared the opening of wildfire season Monday, June 4.

This announcement is made each year to remind residents that as the weather warms, fire risks increase.

Calfire is prepared for emergencies year-round, but during the summer months there is an increased threat and workload driven by wildfires.

On June 4, Calfire brought back its first round of seasonal firefighters and staff with additional engines to meet the increasing fire threat.

By July 2 all fire stations in LMU will be fully staffed.

Calfire encourages residents to continue working to create 100 feet of defensible space around their homes.

Defensible space is essential to improve a home’s chance of surviving a wildfire. It’s the buffer between a building and the grass, trees, shrubs and any wildland areas that surround it.

This space is needed to slow or stop the spread of wildfire and for the protection of firefighters defending the home.

Though fire restrictions are not currently in effect, residents need to be safe with fire and pay attention to conditions that will begin drying out in the summer months.

Permits for outdoor burning have been required since May 1. Those permits will be suspended July 1.

Additional safety steps and information on how to improve the survivability of homes during a wildfire can be found at ReadyforWildfire.org.