The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection’s Lassen-Modoc Unit has announced that, as of May 1st, all hazard reduction burning will require a permit in the counties of Lassen, Modoc and Plumas.
Burn permits must now be obtained online at https://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 1st 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 District.
To find out if it is a permissive burn day or if burning is limited to specific hours, call the Cal-FIRE Lassen, Modoc, Plumas Air Pollution Control District (APCD) phone line at 1.530. 251.4403.
This phone number will direct you to the Lassen, Modoc, and Plumas County Air Pollution Control Districts for permissive burn day status and hours.
IMPORTANT: Normally, Cal-FIRE Burn Permits are only required for residents who live within the State Responsibility Area, or where Cal-FIRE has jurisdictional authority, however, in cooperation with local Fire Department Jurisdictions within Lassen, Modoc and Plumas Counties, all residents may apply for a Cal-FIRE burn permit to burn when permits are required.
Residents of the City of Susanville, and the City of Alturas must contact their respective Fire Department to obtain a burn permit as Cal-FIRE burn permits are not accepted within those jurisdictions. No burning is allowed within the City of Portola.
For Lassen County Residents: On October 22nd, 2024, the County of Lassen adopted Lassen County Code of Ordinances Chapter 9.17 regarding regulations for outdoor burning. These regulations are applicable to the unincorporated areas of the County of Lassen designated as Local Responsibility Area pursuant to Section 4125 of the California Public Resource Code.
Chapter 9.17 addresses the requirement to obtain burn permits as well as the suspension and restriction of burn permits as related to Proclamations issued by the Lassen County Fire Warden.
For information regarding Chapter 9.17 of the Lassen County code or ordinances, follow this link.
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.
