Nevada City, CA – To prevent wildfires, all campfires, barbecues, and burning of outdoor landscape debris are prohibited starting Monday, June 17, on the South Yuba River corridor, a 39-mile stretch of the South Yuba River from Lang’s Crossing to the confluence with Kentucky Creek below Bridgeport in Nevada County.
The annual burn ban begins when CAL FIRE suspends its burn permits for outdoor residential burning within Nevada, Yuba, Placer and Sierra counties. The ban is in place until CAL FIRE lifts the burn suspension, generally after the first rains or fire is no longer deemed a significant threat due to seasonal changes.
The restriction is necessary because of the severe high-fire risk in the area, including thick, dry brush and flammable vegetation along steep slopes with limited and difficult access. The potential for high wind means fires can spread quickly and be challenging to put out.
The annual burn ban was born out of the South Yuba River Public Safety Cohort, a multi-agency working group comprised of federal, state, local and community stakeholders who coordinate safety and law enforcement efforts in the region.
Know Before You Go
- Campfires and BBQs are illegal in the South Yuba River corridor during fire season.
- Cell service is limited to non-existent, with fifteen-to-forty-five-minute response times. Emergency call boxes are located at Bridgeport, Purdon, Edwards, Maybert Road and Highway 49 river crossings.
- Parking is limited. Parking in designated parking areas ensures emergency vehicles will have access in the event of a fire or emergency. Heed parking signs when visiting the river.
- This year, the South Yuba River’s water flows are even more unregulated and unpredictable with the water flowing from Spaulding Dam. Swift water rescues are performed many times through the summer months due to cold, fast and dangerous river conditions.
For greater detail on the South Yuba River corridor burn ban, read the full ordinance. Learn more about preparing for fire season at www.readynevadacounty.org.