LAKE COUNTY — The annual burn ban starts Tuesday to address concerns about fire hazard and air quality.
The burn restriction applies to all areas in the county. All burn permits expire on Monday.
An annual burn ban was first implemented in 1986 in response to weather conditions that often create extreme fire danger and poor air quality. The ban allows a quick fire-agency response to all fires observed after Tuesday, as they are all assumed to be uncontrolled fires unless specifically authorized by an exemption.
This program is one of the primary reasons Lake County has superior and healthful air quality, according to Douglas Gearhart with the Lake County Air Quality Management District (LCAQMD). The ban also helps prevent smoke impacts to the general public and large planned outdoor events by unrestricted vegetative waste burns.
The burn ban includes all open waste burning though exceptions are possible for agricultural operations, essential control burns for fire safety projects, public safety burns and others.
To obtain an exemption for a necessary burn after Tuesday, contact the LCAQMD and the local fire protection agency. Only after the fire agency has inspected the burn site and notified the LCAQMD that the proposed burn is fire safe can people obtain a written exemption permit.
Anyone responsible for open burning without a valid written exemption permit may be subject to a citation, fines and the cost of the fire agency response.
The burn restriction remains in effect until CAL FIRE declares an end to fire season.
The LCAQMD asks people to help reduce the danger and losses caused by uncontrolled fire and to protect the county”s designation as the only air basin in the state to meet all Ambient Air Quality Standards.
