DO I NEED A BURN PERMIT FROM THE AIR POLLUTION DISTRICT?  

If you are burning material from a single or two family residence, a burn permit is not required.  However, you may need a burn permit from your local fire agency.  Open burning by commercial facilities and businesses is prohibited.

NEW BURN REGULATIONS  

Residents are prohibited from using burn barrels and can only burn clean, dry vegetation in all areas of Tuolumne County except the above referenced zip codes, effective January 1, 2004.  All material must originate from the property on which you are burning.

WHAT IS ILLEGAL TO BURN?  

Household garbage or rubbish such as cans, glass, diapers, furniture, plastics, rubber, tires, tar paper, and asphalt shingles.  Demolition debris or construction materials such as treated lumber, insulation, paint, coatings, and metal are prohibited from being burned.  These materials when burned produce toxic pollutants that can cause potential health risks.  

HOW SHOULD I BURN MY MATERIAL?  

Material must be DRY and reasonably free of dirt.  Burning dry material creates less smoke, and causes fewer smoke impacts to neighbors and the public. Pile size should not to exceed 4 ft in diameter per CDF Regulations.

MATERIAL SIZE                         DRYING TIMES

Green straw, stubble, grasses.............3 days

Smaller than 6" in diameter.............3-6 weeks

Greater than 6" in diameter................6 weeks  

Only that material which will likely burn within 24 hours or less can be ignited.  To prevent your pile from getting wet, cover it with a tarp.  If your pile is wet, drying is required under District regulations.  Avoid causing a nuisance to your neighbors.  

 

CAN I BURN STUMPS?

Any stump greater than 12" in diameter should be split and dried for at least 6 weeks prior to burning.  Those stumps less than 12" in diameter do not have to be split, but must be dry and reasonably free of dirt, before burning.

WHEN CAN I BURN?

All burning must occur only on ARB declared permissive burn days.  For burn day information, call the District Burn Line at 533-5598.  The Burn Line is a 24-hour recorder that is updated daily.  Restricted burn hours of 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. take effect in May.  CDF normally prohibits all burning in the summer due to dry conditions and the threat of wildfires.

 

ARE THERE ALTERNATIVES TO BURNING?  

Our air quality is your responsibility.  Consider chipping, shredding, mulching and composting yard waste.  Any material larger than 3" in diameter can be cut for firewood.  Recycle newspapers, paper and cardboard.  

 

WHO CAN I CONTACT FOR INFORMATION ON BURNING AND AIR QUALITY?