While creating defensible space and ridding your land of dead and dying vegetation is critical, residents are asked to use extreme caution when burning. With proper permits, dry vegetation grown on your property can be burned.
Green vegetation should be dried for 3 to 6 weeks before burning. Debris burning is encouraged during winter and spring months while conditions are wet and fire danger is very low. Consider alternatives to burning, such as: composting, chipping and shredding, or green waste pickup from your local disposal company.
If a debris burn escapes your control, you should seek help immediately. A fast response from the fire department can reduce suppression costs considerably.
Remember, you may be billed for suppression costs, and the sooner you seek help, the better the outcome may be.
Requirements for Debris Burning:
- Check with your fire agency for burn permit requirements.
- Burn a maximum pile size of 4 feet in diameter.
- Clear all flammable material and vegetation within 10 feet of the outer edge of the pile.
- A water supply is required at the burning site and must be ready to use.
An adult must be on hand with a shovel until the fire is dead out. - No burning shall be undertaken unless weather conditions are such that burning can be considered safe.
- Dry, natural vegetation grown on the property can be burned outdoors in open piles, unless prohibited by local ordinances.
- Household garbage and construction debris cannot be burned.
- Burning can be done only on permissive burn days; you must call prior to igniting your burn pile.
- Burn Permits are valid only on permissive burn days as determined by the State Air Resources Board or the local Air Pollution Control District.
- CAL Fire Burn Permits are now available online on the Burn Permits website.