LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — The annual burn ban in Lake County starts on Saturday, May 1.

All burn permits expire on April 30.

The burn restriction, meant to address concerns over both fire hazard and air quality, applies to all areas in Lake County.

It includes all open waste burning, though exemptions are possible for agricultural operations, essential control burns for fire hazard reduction projects, public safety burns, and others.

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

A managed approach incorporating fire and air agency concerns has been implemented and improved upon for many years.

The ban allows a quick fire agency response to all fires observed from May 1 on, as they are all assumed to be uncontrolled fires unless specifically authorized by an exemption permit.

The Lake County Air Quality Management District said this successful program is one of the primary reasons Lake County has superior and healthful air quality.

To obtain an exemption permit to burn after May 1, first contact Lake County Air Quality at 707-263-7000 to determine need, then contact your local fire agency so that your burn site can be inspected for fire safety.

After the fire agency notifies the air district that the proposed burn site is fire safe then an exemption permit may be obtained from the air district.

Anyone responsible for open burning during the ban without an exemption permit may be subject to citation, fines, and fire agency response costs to extinguish the fire. Burn restrictions will remain in effect until Cal Fire declares an end to fire season.

The district urges the community to help reduce the danger and losses caused by uncontrolled fires, and protect our clean air.

Public cooperation is greatly appreciated and results in a safer and more healthful environment for us all, officials said.