Wildfire Season Officially Ends

The 2012 peak wildfire season formally ended Monday at 8 a.m. in Santa Clara, Alameda and Contra Costa counties and the western sides of San Joaquin and Stanislaus counties, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection said.

Palo Alto had one major wildfire scare this season. On Aug. 8, a series of arson fires scorched four acres in the Enid W. Pearson-Arastradero Preserve. Firefighters quickly doused the fires. A transient was arrested in the case.

The declaration by Cal Fire's Santa Clara Unit was triggered by cooler temperatures and rain this past week, which has reduced wildfire danger in the area, officials said.

The declaration also ends the Bay Area burn suspension in effect since May 25th. Those burning still need to check with local fire agencies and the Bay Area Air Quality Management District for permits and requirements.

The Santa Clara Unit, which has nearly 5,000 firefighters and support staff, will now shift to its winter preparedness period.

--Bay City News, with additional reporting by Beatrice Karnes

Also on Palo Alto Patch:

Mental Health Evaluation for Arson Suspect

Police Release Mug Shot of Arastradero Fire Suspect

Arson Arrest in Arastradero Preserve Fire

Cal Fire Issues Statewide Burn Ban

Police Suspect Arson in Arastradero Preserve Fire

UPDATE: Crews Battle Fire in Arastradero Preserve

Don't miss news that's important to you Subscribe to our daily newsletter.

|Like us on Facebook |Blog for us | Follow us on Twitter|