Farm Debris Ignited on Legal Burn Day

At least 35 farmers and ranchers took advantage of a chance Tuesday to legally burn agricultural debris, county officials said.

Kent Field, meteorologist for the Ventura County Air Pollution Control District, said nearly 30 burn days have been allowed so far this year. Field said only operations that produce agricultural debris are allowed to participate in the burn day.

Fire officials work with the Ventura County Air Pollution Control District to decide what days qualify.

Field said he monitors the weather pattern, measuring the amount of smoke that may disperse and keeping an eye on the air quality levels throughout the county. He then consults the Fire Department, which has the final say on whether to hold the burns.

There were no complaints from residents about the burning of debris and no injuries related to the burnings, said Sam Meier, dispatch supervisor for the county Fire Department. California law requires that agricultural burnings be held during daylight hours.

Before issuing permits, fire officials are sent out to the agricultural operations to inspect the debris designated for burning.