LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — The annual burn ban in Lake County starts on Wednesday, May 1.
The burn ban is meant to address concerns over both fire hazard and air quality, the Lake County Air Quality Management District reported.
The burn restriction applies to all areas in Lake County.
All burn permits expire on April 30.
Officials said the burn ban includes all open green 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 district reported.
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.
“This successful program is one of the primary reasons Lake County has superior and healthful air quality,” the air district reported.
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.
“Please help us 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,” the district reported.
Details and requirements to obtain an exemption permit to burn after May 1 can be found at www.lcaqmd.net. Please email your request to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and include documentation of need.
District office hours are Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Please call 707-263-7000 for an appointment.
Lake County’s annual burn ban starts May 1
- Lake County News reports
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