Thursday, 28 March 2024

Air quality district lifts burn ban, but reports no burn day status Monday

LAKE COUNTY – The Lake County Air Quality Management District has lifted the 2007 burn ban effective Oct. 22, however officials are reporting that Monday is a no burn day for fire hazard reasons.


Bob Reynolds of Lake County Air Quality Management District reported Sunday that the no burn status is likely to last through Tuesday, based on requests from local fire chiefs.


Reynolds reported that the no burn day is necessary because Cal Fire is reassigning resources to the Malibu and other Southern California fires. A strike team of local firefighters also may be sent to Southern California.


In addition, higher temperatures and high winds are expected from Monday afternoon through Wednesday, Reynolds reported.


Requirements remain even with burn ban lifted


Burn permits are required for all burns in the Lake County Air Basin. Contact your local Fire Protection Agency for a burn permit or the Air Quality Management District to obtain a Smoke Management Plan for burns that may last for several days.


All agencies charge fees for open waste burning permits ranging from $21 for agricultural, residential and smoke management plans, to $64 for land development/lot clearing, according to air quality officials.


Residential burn permits require a one-acre or larger lot, a burn location at least 100 feet from all neighbors and 30 feet from any structure. Burn hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. only.


Land clearing burns require specified permits. Permits may be obtained from your local Fire Agency. Multi-day burns, standing vegetation, whole tree/vine removals and all burns over 20 acres in size must obtain a Smoke Management Plan from the Air Quality Management District. Read your burn permit carefully and follow all conditions.


Each day of the burning season is designated as a “no burn day,” a “limited burn day” or an “agricultural extended burn day.”


On “no burn days” all open burning is illegal unless an exemption has been issued for a specific fire. Burning is generally allowed from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. only. Burn only the amount of material that can be completely consumed during the allowed burning hours. Only vegetation may be burned.


Remember to ensure adequate clearance for fire safety.


Please consider composting as an alternative to burning leaves, or use the vegetative waste pickup provided with your waste collection services.


Avoid smoldering fires and reduce the amount of air pollution by burning only dry vegetation. DO NOT burn green vegetation or wet leaves.


Remember, it is illegal to use a burn barrel, or to burn plastics, metals, treated wood or petroleum wastes, burn only vegetation.


Contact your local fire safe council for chipping program information.


The law requires that an able-bodied adult supervise all fires. Burning even a small amount of illegal material can result in toxic ash and smoke, which cause cancer and other health problems, and can result in significant fines.


Your neighbors may be allergic to smoke; please be considerate. Some people have respiratory problems and their health is degraded by even small amounts of smoke. If your smoke enters your neighbor’s air space, ask them if it is bothering them and take corrective action if needed.


A permit does not allow you to create health problems for others and you can be liable for fines and other costs associated with your burning.


Daily burn day status is available from your local burn information numbers: North County at 263-3121 and South County at 994-4444.


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