Online residential burn permits are available now
The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection Lassen-Modoc Unit has begun making residential burn permits available online for residents living within the state responsibility area of Lassen, Modoc and Plumas counties.
Although Cal Fire burn permits are not currently required for dooryard burning within Lassen, Modoc and Plumas counties, the online application will provide a convenient alternative to obtaining a permit when the requirement resumes.
Applicants will access the website at burnpermit.fire.ca.gov, watch the mandatory video which reviews burning requirements and safety tips, fill in the required fields, submit the form and a dooryard burn permit will be created. The applicant must then print and sign the permit. Permits are valid for the calendar year in which they are issued and must be reissued annually on or after Jan. 1 of each year. Residents living in areas where burning in a burn barrel is allowed, may use the online burn permit as well. You cannot burn in a burn barrel unless you have received authorization from your APCD.
If you are not able to utilize the online burn permit program, you can obtain a burn permit from your local Cal Fire station.
Burning can only be done on permissive burn days. To find out if it is a permissive burn day, call the Lassen County Air Pollution Control District at 257-2876 or 257-BURN.
Burn hours for Lassen County are as follows:
Now through June 30 — open hours
Residents are urged to take precautions while burning outdoors to prevent sparking a wildfire. A leading cause of wildfires this time of year is from escaped landscape debris burning. Remember these key points:
Only natural vegetative material such as leaves, pine needles and tree trimmings may be burned.
Household garbage may not be burned.
Do not burn on windy days.
Ensure that piles from landscape debris are no larger than four feet in diameter.
Have a 10-foot clearance down to bare mineral soil around the burn pile or barrel.
Ensure a responsible adult is in attendance at all times with a water source and a shovel.
You must have a signed permit in your possession while you are burning and you are responsible for maintaining control of your fire always.
Possession of a permit does not protect you if your burn escapes. You are still liable for any suppression costs.
If a burn escapes your control, you should seek help immediately. Wildfires can spread very quickly. A fast response from the fire department can reduce suppression cost considerably.
Remember, you may be billed for suppression costs, so the sooner you seek help the better the outcome may be.
Simple common sense can greatly reduce the chance of an escape. If you don’t feel it’s safe to conduct a burn, don’t.
Changing conditions may necessitate an early burn suspension. To stay informed about burn restrictions, visit the Hot Topics tab at fire.ca.gov/lmu.
For more tips on preparing for fire season, visit readyforwildfire.com.
