KERN COUNTY, Calif. | The Kern County Fire Department is notifying all residents that Open Burning of Hazard Reduction Fuels will close, effective Monday, April 28, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. This decision has been made due to a combination of factors, including declining live fuel moisture levels. As temperatures continue to rise and relative humidity decreases across Kern County, vegetation will dry out rapidly, increasing the risk of fire ignition and spread.
The Kern County Fire Department reminds all residents of the importance of maintaining Defensible Space around their properties, now including Zone 0, the Ember-Resistant Zone. These guidelines help protect homes and structures from wildfire by reducing flammable materials near buildings:
Defensible Space Guidelines
Zone 0: 0–5 feet (Ember-Resistant Zone)
- Remove all combustible materials including vegetation, mulch, wood chips, and flammable outdoor furniture
- Keep roofs and gutters clear of leaves, pine needles, and other debris
- Avoid storing firewood or other flammable items within 5 feet of any structure
Zone 1: 5–30 feet
- Maintain vegetation that is well irrigated and properly spaced
- Remove dead plants, grass, and weeds
- Trim tree branches at least 10 feet from other trees and away from structures
- Eliminate ladder fuels by removing lower tree branches and clearing beneath trees
Zone 2: 30–100 feet
- Create horizontal and vertical spacing between shrubs and trees
- Mow grass to 4 inches or lower
- Remove accumulations of dead vegetation and debris
- Maintain fuel breaks like driveways, gravel walkways, or lawns
For more information on fire safety, preparedness, and defensible space, please visit www.kerncountyfire.org.
