CAL FIRE announces Burn Permits Required as of May 1, 2026. 

Get your burn permit through Calfire's website - burnpermit.fire.ca.gov or by clicking here. 

Residential Burn Permit 

"Residential burning" means the disposal of the combustible or flammable vegetative material from a single- or two-family dwelling unit or residence by burning outdoors. Residential burning is not agricultural, including prescribed, burning.

Key Points to Remember:

• Permit Jurisdiction: This permit is valid only within SRAs or where CAL FIRE has authority. Use our verification tool to confirm your burn location's eligibility.
• Legal Compliance: Holding a permit does not exempt you from following state laws, county ordinances, or local fire regulations. It's your duty to burn safely and legally.
• Additional Responsibilities: A CAL FIRE permit is part of your responsibility. You may also need permits from other local agencies. Remember, burning is permitted only on "Permissive Burn Days" as determined by the California Air Resources Board or local authorities.

What's Allowed and When:

• Residential Burning: Defined as outdoor burning of vegetative debris from a single or two-family residence. This excludes agricultural and prescribed burns. For more information, check out the CALFire Ready for Wildfire website.
• Allowed Materials: Burn only dry, natural vegetation from your property. Household trash, garbage, and construction materials are prohibited.
• Burning Seasons and Conditions: Burning is seasonally permitted and subject to local regulations. Always check with your local fire station or CAL FIRE unit, and confirm with your air quality management agency before lighting any fire.

Applying is Easy:

1. Complete the online application form: Fill out the form with your burn location, county, mailing address, and indicate if this is a cultural burn. In certain locations, you will be prompted to enter your permit number from your local air district before continuing.
2. Submit & Await Approval: Once submitted, you'll receive an approval or denial via email promptly. No email?  Be sure to check your spam or junk folders.

Important to Know:

• Legal Accountability: Violations of permit terms can lead to penalties under State Law (Public Resources Code 4421, 4422, 4423, and 4425).

• Verify Before You Burn: Even if "Burning Allowed" appears for your county, you must ensure it's a designated burn day through Northern Sierra Air Quality Management District here or by calling (530) 274-7928.

Applying for a CAL FIRE Burn Permit is a crucial step in managing fire safely and responsibly. Thank you for doing your part to protect Nevada County.