Crescent City commission adopts seven-day emergency burn ban amid severe drought and nearby wildfire

Crescent City — The Crescent City City Commission on Monday adopted Emergency Resolution 2026-06, a seven-day emergency order prohibiting open burning after fire officials described extremely dry conditions and a nearby, large wildfire.

Commissioner DeVito moved to adopt the resolution; Commissioner Burton seconded and the commission recorded four ayes to pass the measure. The resolution, as presented, will remain in effect for seven days and may continue to be renewed while the county maintains its burn ban.

The presiding officer said the action was prompted by severe drought and the need to reduce ignition risk. "This is similar to the 1st resolution that we passed," the presiding officer said when introducing the item, noting that the city's emergency order is tied to the county's status so it can be renewed if the county maintains its ban.

A fire captain briefed the commission on local conditions and the nearby wildfire, saying "we're extremely dry" and that the fire had merged from two incidents into a larger blaze, which the captain said he last heard was "like, 4,700 acres." The captain reported smoke traveling over the river and visible near San Mateo, underscoring the commission's decision to restrict open burning.

Commissioners asked practical questions about local impacts, including whether smoke would reach community facilities. The commission also discussed streamlining future responses: one commissioner said the city should explore amending its ordinance so the city's ban automatically follows the county's ban to avoid delays in emergency response; staff said the proposal would be brought back for discussion.

The resolution spells out prohibited activities during the ban, including open burning, the sale or discharge of fireworks, use of flares and outdoor burning devices, and burning yard debris or trash. Commissioners also cautioned against parking vehicles with catalytic converters in high-risk vegetated areas and reminded residents to call 911 if they observe active burning.

Staff confirmed the commission's order will be posted in conspicuous places, posted on City Hall doors, added to the county ticker and the city's website, and distributed as required. After the vote the meeting was adjourned.

The commission did not take additional formal action on ordinance changes at the special meeting; staff will return with options for potentially authorizing the mayor to declare narrow emergency actions or to piggyback automatically on county orders.