LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Lake County's annual burn ban, which addresses fire hazards and air quality, begins Sunday, May 1.

The burn restriction applies to all areas in Lake County. All burn permits expire on April 30.

An annual burn ban was first implemented in 1986 in response to weather conditions that often create extreme fire danger and poor air quality.

For many years a managed approach which incorporates fire and air agency concerns has been implemented and improved upon, according to the Lake County Air Quality Management District.

The ban as implemented allows a quick fire agency response to all fires observed from May 1 onward, as they are all assumed to be uncontrolled fires unless specifically authorized by an exemption for time and place.

County air quality officials credited the program with being a the primary reason for Lake County's superior and healthful air quality.

The air quality management ban also helps prevent smoke impacts to the general public and large planned outdoor events by unrestricted vegetative waste burns.

The burn ban includes all open waste burning, though exceptions are possible for agricultural operations, essential control burns and public safety burns.

To obtain an agricultural exemption, first contact your local fire protection agency so that your burn site can be inspected and evaluated for fire safety.

Only after the fire agency has inspected the burn site and notified the Lake County Air Quality Management District that the proposed burn is fire safe, should community members contact district to establish economic necessity and obtain a written exemption permit.

Anyone responsible for open burning without a valid written exemption permit may be subject to a citation, fines and the cost of the agency response to extinguish the fire.

Burn restrictions will remain in effect until Cal Fire declares an end to fire season.

The public is asked to observe the ban and, in doing so, to help reduce the danger and losses caused by uncontrolled fires, and protect the county's designation as the only air basin in the state to meet all ambient air quality standards.

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