Burn Permits

Residential Burning is the use of an outdoor fire to dispose of natural vegetation originating on the property of a one or two family dwelling. A residential fire is considered to be smaller than 4 feet by 4 feet and must be at a residence. An Air District Large Pile Burn Permit is not required for this type of burning.

Large pile burning and non-residential burning are only allowed on Permissive Burn Days.

                                   Call 209/223-6246 before igniting any burn pile.

Burning is not allowed on commercial property except for specific purposes. Contact the District for specific case consideration.

Outdoor fires larger than 4 feet by 4 feet are considered and called large pile burning and even though it may be done on residential property an Air District Large Pile Burn Permit is required.

You must have an Amador Air District Large Pile Burn Permit when burning any outdoor fire larger than 4 feet by 4 feet. This burn permit is only available from the Air District. You may come to our office located at 810 Court Street in Jackson or call the office at 209/257-0112 and request that an application be mailed to you. The form is also available on the web page How to get a Large Pile Burn Permit.

Additionally, you must also follow any burning regulations from your city if you reside within its city limits.

For piles smaller than 4 feet by 4 feet you will need a valid burn permit from Cal Fire during part of the year. The Burn Day Information Line will tell you when a Cal Fire permit is necessary.
Always call 209/223-6246 before lighting any outdoor fire.

Always Follow These Requirements

When Burning

• Call 223-6246 prior to lighting any outdoor fire
• Burn only on permissive burn days
• Contact your local fire agency for burn permit requirements
• Burn only DRY natural vegetation
• Watch where your smoke is going. Burn only when smoke travels away from your neighbors.
• Never leave your fire unattended

Effective January 1, 2004 the use of burn barrels or incinerators is prohibited.

Smoke from residential fires is uncontrolled and released at ground level. This makes it much easier for neighbors and family members to be adversely affected by the smoke. You, your family, neighbors, and friends are at ground level and will be affected.

Immediate health effects from exposure to smoke may include burning, itching and watering eyes, shortness of breath and asthma attacks.

Long term health effects may include respiratory disease, lung damage, cancer and premature death.

For your health and the health of your family and neighbors consider choosing not to burn. Composting, chipping, mulching and/or recycling through your local garbage collection service provider are good alternatives. Associations that may help you are

Amador Fire Safe Council 209/295-6200         http://www.amadorfiresafe.org

Master Gardeners 209/223-6838                    http://ucanr.edu/sites/Amador_County_MGs/