Residents are reminded that BURNING when allowed, MUST COMPLY WITH MENDOCINO COUNTY AIR QUALITY BURN REGULATIONS.

Burn responsibly and do not cause a smoke nuisance for your neighbors. Manage burns to reduce excessive smoke by keeping material dry and burning hot with visible flames. Never allow your burn piles to smolder overnight. Avoid burning when high pressure is forming and a visible inversion is evident.

Cooler temperatures and rainfall alone do not prevent fires from escaping control. Landowners are responsible for safely burning outdoors and maintaining control at all times. For tips on safe burning visit the CAL FIRE website at www.fire.ca.gov or check with your local fire agency.

Open Burning of vegetation is allowed on Permissive Burn Days During Burn Season

Standard Air Quality Burn Permits Are $23

Apply for a burn permit online: Online Application

Always call the burn line for BURN DAY status. Call 707-463-4391.

Burn Ban - outdoor burning is prohibited

Please be aware of the 'Burn Ban' beginning approximately July 1 of each year and typically extends through the end of the 'Fire Season'. All burn permits issued for burning are SUSPENDED. Please do not burn.

Cal Fire and local fire agency burn permits are subject to temporary or permanent suspension due to critical fire weather conditions. Therefore, be aware of the countywide 'Burn Ban' of each year that may extend through the end of the declared fire season.

Fire Season - May 1 through approximately November 1

The California Department of Forestry - State Responsibilty Area (SRA), and Fire Protection - Local Responsibilty Area (LRA), and the Air Quality Management District require a Burn Permit for all 'open outdoor burning' during 'Fire Season' on lands under their jurisdiction.

Winter Burning Season - approximately November through April 30

The 'Winter Burning' season is declared by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, and runs from about November through April 30 of each year.

The Local Fire Protection and the Air Quality Management District require a Burn Permit for all 'open outdoor burning' during the 'Winter Burning' season on lands under their jurisdiction.

• Burn permits are required year round.

• Open outdoor burning is only allowed on permissive burn days set by the Air Resources Board.

• Only vegetative matter may be burned. The vegetation must have grown on the property.

• Burn barrels cannot be used in Mendocino County.

• READ the Burn Information Sheet that came with your permit

• Burning related to property development requires a permit from the Air District.

• Always call the burn information line before burning at 463-4391.

• If you have any doubts about your need for a permit, call the District Office at (707) 463-4354.

• All non- residential burning requires a permit.

• All burns must be attended by a responsible adult.

• Large burns require a Smoke Management Plan.

• Piled Biomass Calculator (exit site).

The following conditions must be met:

1. Materials must be approved combustibles only and reasonably free of soil and surface moisture from rainfall. (Vegetative Matter Only)
2. Materials must be arranged to promote rapid combustion with minimum smoke production.
3. Materials must be dried at least the minimum recommended length of time as follows:
   • Trees and branches over 6 inches in diameter - 60 days.
   • Prunings, brush and branches less than 6 inches in diameter - 15 days.
4. Aerate leaves to dry them prior to burning. DO NOT BURN WET LEAVES!
5. Burn piles are to be ignited as rapidly as possible to avoid smoke nuisance. If your smoke affects your neighbor, you can be held liable.
6. All vegetation must be burned on the property where it was grown.

Burn barrels are not allowed for burning waste, including vegetation, at residences.

No Burn Barrels - Title 17 of the California Code of Regulations Section 93113. Title 17.

1. Minimum 10-foot clearance from all flammable material.
2. Adult in attendance with shovel until fire is Dead Out.
3. Water supply at burning site.
4. For the best possible burn, dry vegetative matter should be burned completely between the hours of 9:00 am and 3:00 pm in any single Burn Day.

Common Questions

• What can I burn with a valid permit?

  'Brush, trees and vegetation burned on the property where grown'

  Burning of any milled lumber, paper, cardboard or other materials is illegal and can result in fines and possible legal actions.

• Who decides it is a 'burn day' or a 'no burn day'?

  The State Air Resources Board, however the local Air District and Fire Agencies can suspend burning based on local conditions. Some major holidays are always designated no burn days.

• What is an inversion and what does it have to do with open burning?

  Inversions are the result of poor air circulation. Mendocino County has significant inversions on a regular basis.

• Are all burn permits the same?

  No. All residential burn permits are for smaller burns.
  
  Agricultural permits are issued by the Air Quality District and also require a Fire Agency permit.