- Lake County News reports
- Posted On
Lake County burn ban begins May 1
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – The Lake County Air Quality Management District reported that the county’s annual burn ban will begin on Monday, May 1.
The burn restriction, which is intended to address concerns over both fire hazard and air quality, applies to all areas in Lake County.
All burn permits expire on Sunday, 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.
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 onward, as they are all assumed to be uncontrolled fires unless specifically authorized by an exemption permit.
The district said this successful program is one of the primary reasons Lake County has superior and healthful air quality.
The ban also helps prevent smoke impacts to the general public and large planned outdoor events from unrestricted vegetative waste burns.
The burn ban includes all open waste burning, though exceptions are possible for agricultural operations, essential control burns for fire hazard reduction projects, public safety burns and others.
To obtain an exemption permit for a necessary burn after May 1, first contact the Lake County Air Quality Management District at 707-263-7000 to determine need, then your local fire protection agency so that your burn site can be inspected and evaluated for fire safety.
Only after the fire agency has notified the Lake County Air Quality Management District that the proposed burn is fire safe, can you obtain a written exemption permit.
Anyone responsible for open burning during the ban without a valid written exemption permit may be subject to a citation, fines and the cost of the fire agency response to extinguish the fire. Burn restrictions will remain in effect until Cal Fire declares an end to fire season late this year.
The Lake County Air Quality Management District asks that the community help reduce the danger and losses caused by uncontrolled fires, and protect the county’s clean air resources by observing the ban.
The district said public cooperation is greatly appreciated and results in a safer and more healthful environment for everyone.