Annual Lake County Burn Ban Lifted, Effective Wednesday, November 30, 2022, at 8am
An Urgent and Important Message from Lake County Air Quality Management District
Lake County, CA (November 29, 2022) -- The annual Lake County Burn Ban for 2022 is lifted as of 8:00 am, Wednesday, November 30, 2022, with CalFire’s determination that wildfire risk has been significantly reduced by the recent rains. Burn permits are required for all outdoor burning in the Lake County Air Basin.
Lake County Fire Departments are now utilizing electronic burn permits, which are hosted on the South Lake County Fire Protection District website.
Per Chief Paul Duncan, “There is no processing fee. Electronic burn permits save gas, and residents can access the permit program anytime. A paper copy will need to be maintained by anyone conducting burning and presented when asked.”
A Smoke Management Plan is required for multi-day burns, overnight burns, standing vegetation burns, whole tree or vine removal, burns over 20 acres, and any other burn where significant smoke impacts may occur or sensitive receptors may be impacted. A Smoke Management Plan can be obtained at the Lake County Air Quality Management District office, call 707-263-7000 to make an appointment.
Bring a map showing the burn location, burn site coordinates (GPS locations), parcel number or address, acres to be burned, and details of vegetation to be burned. A fee is required for all burn permits, payable at the time the permit is issued. Smoke Management Plans, Agricultural burn permits and Residential burn permits are $31, Land Development/Lot Clearing burn permits are $95. Cash or check only (exact change is appreciated).
Only clean dry vegetation that was grown on the property may be burned. Residential burn permits require a one (1.0) acre or larger lot of record, a burn location that is at least 100 feet from all neighbors, and at least 30 feet from any structure in order to qualify. Lot Clearing/Land Development burns require special permits available at your local Fire Protection District. Read your burn permit carefully and follow all the conditions. Please be considerate of your neighbors. A permit does not allow you to create health problems for others. You can be liable for health care costs, fines, and other costs resulting from your burning.
Consider composting or using the vegetative waste pickup provided with your waste collection service as an alternative to burning leaves. Lake County’s joint Fire Agencies and Air Quality Management District’s open burning program has incorporated both fire safety and air quality management since 1987. Thank you for your cooperation this burn season.
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