Butte County April 26, 2018 – Residents in the unincorporated areas of Butte County will be required to have a burn permit beginning Tuesday, May 1st to burn dooryard debris. Burn permits are available at no charge from all CAL FIRE/Butte County Fire stations.

“Control burns are an excellent way to eliminate unwanted vegetation on your property to help residents establish Defensible Space around their homes,” says Butte Unit Chief Darren Read.

For residents living in the Town of Paradise or the Cities of Biggs and Gridley, regulations differ from the unincorporated areas of Butte County. Gridley Residents should contact the Gridley Fire Station at (530) 846-5711, and Biggs residents should contact the Biggs Fire Station at (530) 868-5834 for burn permit information.

Paradise residents wishing to burn may do so on permissive burn days and with a valid burn permit through May 31st. For more information go to www.townofparadise.com and search “Permits” or contact the Paradise Fire Department at (530) 872-6264.

As always, citizens using fire must do so safely. The following are guidelines to perform a safe and legal burn:

  • Burn Hours are 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. – fire out cold by 11:00 a.m.
  • Only small piles (4’ x 4’) of vegetative waste may be burned.
  • Burn barrels are never allowed.
  • Before burning in Butte County, you MUST check with the Butte County Air Quality Management District by phone (530-332-9407) or at www.bcaqmd.org to determine air quality burn day status.
  • Provide a 10-foot area free of flammable materials and vegetation around all burn piles and incinerators. Have a water source available and an adult in attendance.
  • Pay attention to weather conditions and forecasts. Do not burn on windy days.
  • Do not leave smoldering fires unattended.
  • Make sure the fire is dead out when the burn is completed.
  • Have your copy of the valid permit accessible when burning.
  • Go to www.readyforwildfire.org for more information on preparing for wildfire.

Remember, persons burning are responsible to maintain control of their fire. If a fire escapes your control, you may be held criminally and civilly responsible for all costs associated with the suppression of the fire and the damage it caused. If you need further information about safe burning, please stop by your local fire station or contact the CAL FIRE/Butte County Fire Prevention Bureau at (530) 538-7888.