This time of year offers a unique opportunity for residents to affordably and efficiently reduce green waste levels on their properties. CAL FIRE NEU lifted the Burn Suspension on October 25, 2021, which means residential debris burning is allowable when the Northern Sierra Air Quality Management District deems it a permissible burn day. Open residential burning is allowed in unincorporated Nevada County without a permit from CAL FIRE or a local fire district. As the season changes and the weather warms, CAL FIRE will announce when burn permits will be required. For now, residential burning is legal without a burn permit in unincorporated Nevada County.
Burn piles are prohibited in the city limits of Grass Valley and Nevada City. A burn permit from the fire district is required in the Town of Truckee. Burn permits from both Truckee Fire Protection District and CAL FIRE, when required, are available online and are free of charge. Some Homeowner Associations may also require permits or may prohibit burning; inquire with your association for the rules in your neighborhood.
Before you burn, check to see if it is a permissible burn day, at MyAirDistrict.com or by calling (530) 274-7928, in Western Nevada County, or (530) 582-1027, in Eastern Nevada County.
Manage Your Burn Pile Safely
- Check to see if it is a Burn Day. Visit MyAirDistrict.com or call 530-274-7928.
- Maintain a 10 ft diameter, down to bare soil, free of flammables.
- Burn dry, dead material only such as leaves, pine needles, and tree trimmings.
- Keep a water source and shovel on hand.
- Tend to your pile always.
- Check weather conditions before burning; never burn on a windy day.
- Burn between 9 am - 3 pm for maximum smoke dispersion.
- Ensure an adult is in attendance of the fire at all times.
- Fully extinguish coals with water.
Tips for Reducing Smoke
Vegetation that has not had time to dry out, such as leaves and pine needles will generate larger amounts of smoke. To avoid creating plumes of smoke, burn material that has been down for 3-6 weeks and has had a chance to dry out. If you have dead pines needles and leaves to burn, incorporate that material into your burn pile slowly over time once you have a clean, hot flame. Burning exclusively pine needles, or too many at once, can lead to a smoke nuisance which may result in unhappy neighbors and a steep fine.
What may be burned?
Dry, natural vegetation, grown on the property may be burned outdoors in open piles unless prohibited by local ordinances. No household trash or garbage may be burned. Burning trash, garbage, plastic, and treated lumber is prohibited by the California Air Resources Board. (Learn more here)
Alternatives to Residential Debris Burning
Chip Material
Chipped material may be used 30 ft from the home for weed abatement, erosion control, water retention, or as an additive in compost. Have your green waste chipped through the Fire Safe Council’s Chipping Program, rent a chipper, or hire a local vendor to chip the material for you.
Order Residential Curbside Pickup
Waste Management and Tahoe Truckee Sierra Disposal both offer curbside pickup options. To learn if your property is eligible for this service, visit http://bit.ly/WasteManagment (866-844-1508) or http://bit.ly/TahoeTruckeeSD (530-583-7800).
Rent a Large Green Waste Dumpster
Waste Management and Tahoe Truckee Sierra Disposal both offer large dumpsters for rent. Reserve a dumpster for your property, or cost-share with neighbors who are also developing defensible space around their homes. Visit http://bit.ly/WasteManagment (866-844-1508) or http://bit.ly/TahoeTruckeeSD (530-583-7800).
Drop Off Green Waste
Drop off green waste at Waste Management’s McCourtney Road Transfer Station or Tahoe Truckee Sierra Disposal. Standard disposal rates apply.
Compost Leaves and Pine Needles
Leaves and pine needles often produce large quantities of smoke when burned. Composting these items creates a nutrient-rich soil amendment for your garden.
