Nevada City, Calif. — After three public meetings of the Fire Safety Advisory Committee (FSAC), during which refinement and discussion occurred, the FSAC recommended that the City Council consider a pilot program for the use of a Biochar Kiln with Nevada City Cohousing expressing interest in participation. At the Jan. 14, 2025, meeting of the City Council, the Council approved the pilot program for one-time use at the Cohousing property. Burning is still prohibited within city limits aside from this one-time use.
As a component of the City’s 2022-2027 Strategic Plan, fire safety is identified as a key initiative, with the reduction of dead and downed fuel loads outlined as a specific goal. While methods like chipping and green waste collection have been effective, certain areas present challenges where these methods are impractical or not financially viable. In such instances, controlled burning could be explored as a viable alternative, though careful consideration of wildfire risks and smoke effects is necessary. This pilot allowance of a biochar kiln serves to address this goal and provides an opportunity to evaluate a tool for the community and the City to utilize to eliminate hazardous fuels.
The biochar kiln burning process typically involves setting up a metal kiln, filling it with wood, igniting it, and continuously feeding wood into it as the fire burns down. The design of these devices significantly reduces smoke production compared to pile burning and, with appropriate precautions, minimizes the risk of escape since the fire is contained within the kiln. The kiln generates a biochar product that can be used as a soil amendment or added to compost, among other applications. Only purpose-built biochar kilns are permitted.
According to Section 8.10.090 of the Municipal Code, fire protection requirements apply to any special burning permit. The permitted use of a biochar kiln complies with all Municipal Code requirements and includes additional stipulations. The Health and Public Safety Special Permit, as outlined in the Municipal Code, governs this pilot program, which the City Council, Division Fire Chief, and the Community Risk Reduction Officer have approved.
The single use of the device will occur on the Cohousing Property marked by the x on the map attached. A water supply is located nearby, as shown in blue on the map below. The device may only be used once the permit is issued and on allowable burn days. Currently, co-housing is planning on using the device during the week of March 10. The Pilot allowance required a thorough application, site visit, and neighbor outreach (which will occur the week of March 3rd). The complete application, related staff reports, and additional information can be found on NevadaCityCA.gov, under the section for wildfire preparedness, specifically under Biochar Kiln Use in City Limits.