Fuels Reduction

CAL FIRE Vegetation Management Program (VMP)

The Vegetation Management Program (VMP) is a cost-sharing program that focuses on the use of prescribed fire, and some mechanical means, for addressing wildland fire fuel hazards and other resource management issues on State Responsibility Area (SRA) lands. The use of prescribed fire mimics natural processes, restores fire to its historic role in wildland ecosystems, and provides significant fire hazard reduction benefits that enhance public and firefighter safety.

Open Burning

Where alternative means of vegetation disposal are not feasible, CAL FIRE encourages the safe and prudent use of burning during certain times of the year. Residential debris burning, hazard reduction burning, agricultural burning, development burning, and range improvement burning are commonly used methods that can be effective for removing excess vegetation and reducing the fire hazard. However, burning should only be utilized when conditions are appropriate and when fire danger amd risk of escape is low. For more information visit ReadyforWildfire.org to learn more about debris burning.

Burn Permits

CAL FIRE Burn Permits

In addition to APCD requirements, if you plan to conduct burning within CAL FIRE’s jurisdiction between May1^st and the end of the declared fire season, you may be required to obtain a CAL FIRE: LE-5, LE-7, LE-62a burn permit in accordance with PRC § 4423(b). The type of permit issued will be determined by CAL FIRE based on the amount and type of material to be burned.

Permit Procedure:

Site inspection per Battalion Chief requirements

Issuance of LE-5, LE-7, or LE-62a permit (no cost)

Burning conducted in accordance with the terms of the CAL FIRE burn permit and with all other applicable rules and regulations

NOTE:

Permits are valid only on those days which are not prohibited by the State Air Resources Board pursuant to Section 41855 of the Health and Safety Code or by APCD.

For additional information regarding CAL FIRE burn permits, please contact your nearest CAL FIRE Facility.

DURING FIRE SEASON ONLY

Permit Procedure:

Site inspection per Battalion Chief requirements

Issuance of LE-5, LE-7, or LE-62a permit (no cost)

Burning conducted in accordance with the terms of the CAL FIRE burn permit and with all other applicable rules and regulations

NOTE:

Permits are valid only on those days which are not prohibited by the State Air Resources Board pursuant to Section 41855 of the Health and Safety Code or by APCD.

For additional information regarding CAL FIRE burn permits, please contact your nearest CAL FIRE facility.

APCD Burn Permits

Backyard Burning

Backyard Burning is the open burning of yard wastes by single family households or duplex residents. Backyard burning green waste burn piles include dry weeds, plant prunings, shrubbery, tree trimmings and branches.

To qualify for a Backyard Burn Permit you must occupy single family or duplex residence OUTSIDE of cities and URL/VRL areas.All burning requires an APCD Burn Permit.For more information on Backyard Burning, click here.

Agricultural Burning

Agricultural burning is defined as open outdoor fires used in agricultural operations in the growing of crops or raising of fowl or animals, used in vegetation, forest or range management, the improvement of land for wildlife and game habitat, or agricultural disease or pest prevention. Agricultural Burn Permits are required prior to conducting any burning.

To qualify for an Agricultural Burn Permit you must derive some income from agricultural operation (e.g., vineyard, row crop, livestock, forest or range management). If you do not derive an income from an Ag operation, you are not eligible for an Ag burn permit.

All burning requires an APCD Burn Permit.

TO OBTAIN AN APCD AGRICULTURAL BURN PERMIT CLICK HERE