CalFire burn permits required May 1st in Lassen, Modoc and Plumas counties

The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection Lassen-Modoc Unit has announced effective at 8 a.m. May 1 all hazard reduction burning will require a permit in the counties of Lassen, Modoc and Plumas counties.

Burn permits must now be obtained online at burnpermit.fire.ca.gov/. Applicants can access the website to obtain a burn permit which involves watching a short educational video and submitting an application. 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.

Property owners conducting hazard reduction burning are responsible for checking the burn day status by contacting their local air pollution control district.

Burning can only be done on permissive burn days and within permissive burn hours as determined by the local Air Pollution Control Districts or Air Quality Management Districts.

To find out if it is a permissive burn day or if burning is limited to specific hours, call the CalFire Lassen, Modoc, Plumas Burn Permit and Air Pollution District phone line at (530) 251-4403. This phone number will direct you to the Lassen, Modoc, and Plumas County APCD or AQMD for permissive burn day status and hours.

Important
Normally CalFire Burn Permits are only required for residents who live within the State Responsibility Area, or where CalFire has jurisdictional authority, however, in cooperation with local fire department jurisdictions within Lassen, Modoc and Plumas counties, all residents may apply for a CalFire burn permit to burn when permits are required. Residents of the city of Susanville and city of Alturas must contact their respective fire department to obtain a burn permit as CalFire burn permits are not accepted within those jurisdictions. No burning is allowed within the city of Portola.

Property owners conducting hazard reduction burning are responsible for checking the burn day status by contacting their local air pollution control district.

Hazard Reduction Guidelines are listed on the permit and must be followed at all times.

As a reminder, always have a minimum 10-foot clearance down to bare mineral soil around all burn piles, a shovel and a water source available, and an adult present during burning. Failure to follow these simple precautions may result in a citation and fines. For further information regarding residential burning or other fire safety tips visit your local CAL FIRE Station or go to www.readyforwildfire.org.

Lassen County residents
As of Oct. 22, 2024, Lassen County has adopted Chapter 9.17 in the Lassen County code of ordinances regarding Regulations for Outdoor Burning. The regulations of Chapter 9.17 (Regulations for Outdoor Burning) are for unincorporated areas of Lassen County pursuant to Section 4125 of the Public Resource Code as Local Responsibility Area.

Chapter 9.17 (Regulations for Outdoor Burning) addresses the requirement of burn permits and the suspension, restriction and proclamation issued by the Lassen County fire warden of burn permits within the unincorporated areas of Lassen County.

For information regarding Chapter 9.17 (Regulations of Outdoor Burning) of the Lassen County code or ordinances, click on the provided link or type in Lassen County, CA regulations for outdoor burning.