The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection is forbidding the starting of outdoor fires "within the 31 million acres" of land in the state where is has responsibility. All residential burn permits have been suspended.

Locally, the state responsibility area includes Huddart and Wunderlich county parks in Woodside and much of the rest of unincorporated forested San Mateo County, according to a Cal Fire map.

Cal Fire issued the Aug. 28 warning in recognition of the weather forecast and the major wildfires now burning in the state.

Among the tips offered to prevent wildfire:

■ Long grass can be a fire hazard, but trimming it should be done before 10 a.m., and never on a hot, windy day.

■ Make sure to use spark arresters on all portable gasoline-powered equipment, including tractors, chainsaws, weed eaters, mowers, motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles.

Click here== for local tips and information from the Citizens Emergency Response Preparedness Program (CERPP), a volunteer agency that serves the Woodside Fire Protection District, including the communities of Woodside, Portola Valley, Los Trancos Woods, Vista Verde, Ladera and Emerald Hills.

— Dave Boyce

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