CAL FIRE Burn Permits
Check Burn Day Status & Secure Burn Permits
Applicants can access the website to obtain a burn permit which involves watching a short educational video and submitting an application. The process provides the necessary information needed to conduct the burn safely, while minimizing the chance for fire escape. Permits must be in possession either by printed copy or digitally. Permits are valid beginning May 1st of each year and require annual renewal. Permits are issued free of charge.
Property owners conducting hazard reduction burning are responsible for checking the burn day status. Residents wishing to burn must verify it is a permissive burn day prior to burning by contacting:
Northern Sierra Air Quality Management District. 530-274-7928. Northern Sierra's burn day website: https://myairdistrict.com/
Residents are urged to take precautions while burning outdoors to prevent starting a wildfire. Escaped debris burns are a leading cause of wildfires during winter and spring.
Burn Pile Safety
Before you burn check to see if it is a permissible burn day at MyAirDistrict.com or by calling (530) 274-7928.
Check the weather. Avoid burning on dry, windy days.
Burn dry, dead material only such as leaves, pine needles, and tree trimmings. Treated wood, household trash, and tires are illegal to burn.
Choose a safe burn site. Avoid overhanging branches, powerlines, and structures. Allow yourself at least 3x the height of your pile of vertical clearance.
Prepare your site. Clear all flammable material to gravel or dirt at least 10 feet in all directions. Spray the surrounding area with water, keep a water source nearby, and have a shovel on hand.
Keep neighbors happy and avoid smoke nuisance fines by burning hot and clean. Once your flame is strong, slowly add dry pines needles, leaves, or vines which are known to produce large amounts of smoke if burned exclusively.
Keep piles manageable. Add additional material as your pile burns and reduces in size.
Burn between the hours of 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. for optimal smoke dispersion.
Stay with your fire and fully extinguish coals with water when you are done. Turn coals and ash over with a shovel, drown your pile with water, and repeat several times. Return to your burn area regularly over the next several days, especially in dry, warm, and windy weather.