Rainstorms earlier this month prompted Santa Barbara County officials to declare an end to High Fire Season and allowed federal representatives to again close the Santa Maria Air Tanker Base.

On Wednesday, the county Fire Department announced the transition from High Fire Season to Winter Preparedness Level, which clears the way to end the seasonal ban on permit burning. 

The declaration came two weeks after the U.S. Forest Service closed the air tanker operations at the Santa Maria Public Airport following a significant soaking of rain. The tanker base had closed in November before reopening in January amid a series of fires in Southern California.

Barring an early spring fire, the SMX tanker base, with retardant contractors and aviation assets, is set to reopen May 15, Forest Service spokesman Andrew Madsen said.

Both actions followed rainstorms that helped reduce the extreme fire danger by dousing most of the county with 2 inches of rain.

The county’s lifting of restrictions means individuals with a valid permit may resume permitted burning in Santa Barbara County on permissive burn days. 

Before issuing a permit for agricultural, hazard reduction and residential backyard burns, county firefighters inspect piles to ensure compliance with the rules. A permit holder also must contact the fire department before starting any permit burn. 

Authorities noted that all burn permit holders are responsible for following the rules and could be held liable for any burn that escapes their property and requires firefighters’ assistance. 

The county Fire Department and the Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District work closely together to determine appropriate days for permit burning. 

Designated days are based on weather and other conditions, with the planned fires typically allowed during the winter when fuel, or vegetation, moisture is high and temperatures are lower. Forecasts calling for high winds can prompt officials to suspend burning. 

The permits are issued for burn piles only and are not intended for the burning of standing vegetation, which is considered prescribed burning and is conducted only by fire departments and land managers, officials said.

The public can determine when permissive burn days have been designated by calling 805.686.8177 or visiting the department website at sbcfire.com/permit-burning.