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The summer fire season has been declared open for Santa Clara County and two other Bay Area counties (Alameda and Contra Costa) by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire).

The opening of the season is dependent on variables including weather conditions, vegetation and increased fire activity.

The fire season triggers burning restrictions in agricultural and open space lands, requiring special permits. Campfires are allowed in designated campgrounds.

More than 90 percent of the wildfires that Cal Fire responds to each year are caused by people, most often using equipment including lawn mowers, weed eaters and chainsaws.

-- Don Kazak

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