Info: CAL FIRE NEU - Burn Permits Required May 1

If fire escapes your control, you may be held criminally, civilly responsible for costs

By: CAL FIRE Nevada-Yuba-Placer Unit

Auburn April 25, 2008 - With the warmer temperatures and breezy conditions we have experienced over the last couple weeks, CAL FIRE, Nevada-Yuba-Placer Unit has responded to numerous escaped control burns. Residents that burn are responsible to maintain control of their fire. If a fire escapes your control, you may be held criminally and civilly responsible for all costs associated with the suppression of the fire and the damage that it caused. Unit Chief, Brad Harris strongly encourages residents to "Take advantage of the free chipping services to dispose of your yard clippings."

For additional information in Nevada County, call (530) 274-3090, Yuba County, call (530) 713-7515 and Placer County, call (530) 889-0111 ext. 3.

Effective May 1, 2008 burn permits will be required. Permits can be obtained at your local fire station, at no charge.

The following burn permit guidelines must be followed in order to burn safely and legally.

- Maximum burn pile size is 4 foot by 4 foot in diameter

- Clear all flammable material and vegetation within 10-feet of the outer edge of burn pile

- An adult must be in attendance of the fire at all times with a water supply and shovel

- Burning can only be done on "Permissive Burn Days." Before burning, call: Nevada County (530) 274-7928, Yuba County (530) 741-6299, Placer County (530) 889-6868

- Use of burn barrels or burning of household waste are no longer allowed

Create a 100 foot zone of defensible space around your home, which is required by law. Following these steps can significantly increase the chance of your home surviving a wildfire! The goal is to protect your home while providing a safe area for firefighters.

- Remove all flammable vegetation 30 feet from all structures.

- The remaining 70 feet, create a reduced fuel zone by spacing trees and plants from each other.

- Remove all build-up of needles and leaves from your roof and gutters

- Remove branches 10 feet from all chimneys and remove dead limbs that over hang any structure

- Remove lower tree branches at least six feet from the ground or 1/3 of the tree height

When clearing vegetation, use care when operating power equipment. One small spark may start a fire. In wildland areas, spark arresters are required on all portable gasoline powered equipment. Visit www.fire.ca.gov for additional information.

Nevada-Yuba-Placer Unit (Including Sutter & Sierra Counties)
Unit Chief Brad Harris
13760 Lincoln Way

Auburn
CA
95603
530-823-4904