Auburn – The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) Nevada-Yuba-Placer Unit has announced effective at 8:00am, Friday, May 1, 2026, all hazard reduction burning will require a permit in Nevada, Yuba, Placer and Sierra Counties.

Burn permits must be obtained online at https://burnpermit.fire.ca.gov/. To acquire a permit, visit the website, watch a short educational video, and apply. 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 1 of each year and require annual renewal. This date is established in accordance with California Public Resources Code 4423, which requires burn permits for residential debris burning during fire season.

Permits are issued free of charge and allow for the burning of dry landscape vegetation (NOT household trash) that originates from the landowner’s property. Hazard reduction guidelines are listed on the permit and must be followed at all times. Property owners conducting residential debris burns must contact their local Air Quality Management District to determine what permit requirements or burning restrictions apply in their area and must ALWAYS call to ensure burn day status.

  • Nevada & Sierra Counties – Northern Sierra Air Quality Management District. 530-274-7928. Northern Sierra’s burn day website: https://myairdistrict.com/
  • Yuba County – Feather River Air Quality Management District: (530) 741-6299 Agricultural Burn number is 530-701-7462. http://www.fraqmd.org/burnday
  • Placer County – Placer County Air Pollution Control District Auburn area (including all cellphone users): 530-889-6868. Outside Auburn, toll-free: 800-998-BURN (2876). Placer’s burn day website: http://www.placerair.org/burnday

As a reminder, all burn piles must have a minimum 10-foot clearance to bare mineral soil in every direction. Piles should be no larger than 4 feet in diameter, and you must have a shovel and an adequate water source on hand. An adult must always be present during burning. Failure to follow these basic safety precautions may result in a citation and fines. For tips and information on residential landscape debris burning safety, visit

https://www.readyforwildfire.org/prepare-for-wildfire/debris-burning.