Camino – The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) Amador-El Dorado Unit has announced that residential burn permits will be required effective Thursday, May 1. 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. 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. For burn permit questions, call (530) 644-2345 for assistance.

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.

Amador County: (209) 223-6246
El Dorado County: (530) 621-5897
Sacramento County: (279) 972-2876 (BURN)
Alpine County: (760) 872-8211
South Lake Tahoe: (530) 621-5842, (888) 332-2876

As a reminder, the use of a burn barrel is illegal in all counties.

For alternatives to burning your piles, please contact the Amador Fire Safe Council at www.amadorfiresafe.org or the El Dorado County Fire Safe Council at www.edcfiresafe.org for details on available programs.

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/permits/burn-permit-information/.