LAKE COUNTY >> The annual burn ban in Lake County starts on Monday, May 1, to address concerns over both fire hazard and air quality. The burn restriction applies to all areas in Lake County.
All burn permits expire on April 30.
An annual burn ban was first implemented in 1986 in response to weather conditions that often create extreme fire danger and poor air quality. A managed approach incorporating Fire and Air agency concerns has been implemented and improved upon for many years.
The ban allows a quick fire agency response to all fires observed from May 1st on, as they are all assumed to be uncontrolled fires unless specifically authorized by an exemption permit. This successful program is one of the primary reasons Lake County has superior and healthful air quality.
The ban also helps prevent smoke impacts to the general public and large planned outdoor events from unrestricted vegetative waste burns.
Lake County’s burn ban includes all open waste burning, though exceptions are possible for agricultural operations, essential control burns for fire hazard reduction projects, public safety burns, and others.
To obtain an exemption permit for a necessary burn after May 1, first contact the LCAQMD at (707) 263-7000 to determine need, then your local Fire Protection Agency so that your burn site can be inspected and evaluated for fire safety. Only after the Fire Agency has notified the Lake County Air Quality Management District that the proposed burn is fire safe, can you obtain a written exemption permit.
Anyone responsible for open burning during the ban without a valid written exemption permit may be subject to a citation, fines, and the cost of the Fire Agency response to extinguish the fire. Burn restrictions will remain in effect until CalFire declares an end to fire season.
The district urges residents to help reduce the danger and losses caused by uncontrolled fires and protect clean air resources.
