For today's burn status, call the burn line at (530) 757-3660 or
at (800) 246-3660 within 530, 916 or 707 area codes.
Rural Residential Burning is the open burning of yard wastes by household residents. Rural residential burning of green waste includes dry weeds, plant prunings, shrubbery, tree trimmings and branches. Burning of this material creates particulate matter and air pollution that can cause numerous health effects such as coughing, headaches or respiratory problems.
To protect public health, the District has regulations regarding rural residential burning. You can download a brochure English | Spanish or go to our Frequently Asked Questions.
There are effective alternatives to manage green waste materials including composting, chipping and green waste curbside pickup.
- There are four categories of Burn Days: permissive, restricted, minimum and no burn day.
- Burning may occur only after a burn day has been declared and approximately between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m or as designated by the local fire department.
- All green waste materials must be dry (extra precautions must be taken to account for moisture from recent rains) & free of trash or dirt.
- Green waste must originate on the property where burning occurs.
- Burn piles can not be larger than 4 feet high by 6 feet diameter.
- Burn piles must have adequate clearance from neighboring property (50 ft), structures (50 ft) and combustible materials (15 ft).
- Burns may not cause a nuisance with smoke and ash to neighbors.
- If you live near a "smoke sensitive site" such as a school, nursing home or park, you must take extra care to eliminate potential smoke and ash impacts from your burn.
Contact your local county dispatch center/fire district or the District Agricultural Burn Line at (530) 757-3660 to find out the daily burn status.
Smoke and ash generated through the burning of household waste (e.g., garbage and rubbish) may contain many toxic air contaminants, including dioxin. Exposure to these pollutants can cause respiratory ailments, stressed immune systems and cancer. These pollutants often travel long distances and may contaminate air, water, food and soil. Unfortunately, the toxins can remain in the environment for many years. Children are often more susceptible than adults to the health impacts of these air contaminants.
The California Air Resources Board (ARB) enacted a statewide regulation that prohibits burning of household waste, including paper and cardboard, to minimize toxic air contaminants generated during the burning of such material. (More...)