Burning FAQ

Q: Which area am I in? 

“Western Nevada County” is the portion of Nevada County west of Donner Summit.

The “Truckee Area” is the portion of Nevada County east of Donner Summit. 

“Sierra County” is the entire County of Sierra. 

“Quincy Area” is the area defined by the Quincy Fire Protection District outer boundary (“islands” within the outer boundary that are not part of the Quincy Fire Protection District are considered parts of the Quincy Area for burn day status). Burning in downtown Quincy and East Quincy is available by permit only. For more information on the Quincy Area, see the "What does Rule 318 say?" section below. 

“Plumas County (except Quincy Area)” is all of Plumas County except the area within the boundary of the Quincy Fire Protection District.

Q: What are some Open Burning air pollution regulations I should know about? 

Know Where it is Legal to Burn

Burn Only LEGAL Materials 

  • Dry vegetation is the ONLY material that can be legally burned in Nevada, Plumas and Sierra Counties
  • The vegetation must originate from the property where the burn is occurring.
  • The vegetation must be sufficiently dry (down and drying for at least 3 – 6 weeks). [NSAQMD Rule 314]
  • Never burn freshly cut green vegetation. Only material that will likely burn within 24 hours may be ignited.
  • It is illegal to use a burn barrel – the use of burn barrels has been banned in California.
  • It is against state law and a MISDEMEANOR to burn anything else (e.g. cardboard, plywood, treated lumber, etc.).

Burn Only on a Permissive Burn Day

  • Burning is only allowed on a PERMISSIVE BURN DAY.  Call 530-274-7928 or visit our Burn Day Status webpage before conducting a burn.
  • We recommend you limit your burning to between 9AM and 3PM, when smoke dispersion is typically best. 

It is ILLEGAL to Allow Your Smoke to Cause a Nuisance to Your Neighbors

  • District regulations require that material be burned with a minimum of smoke. [NSAQMD Rule 315]
  • Even if it is a legal burn day, it is always illegal to cause a smoke nuisance. [NSAQMD Rule 205]

Western Nevada County LEAVES and PINE NEEDLES

PERMITS for Non-Residential Burns

  • An Air Pollution Permit is required for any non-residential burn (such as for a timber harvest, construction project, or an agricultural operation).
  • If you have any doubts or questions about when you need a permit or what kind of permit you might need, please do not hesitate to call the Air District at 530-274-9360, or the Northern Office at 530-832-0102.
Q: Where can I get a residential burn permit? 

The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection has transitioned to online residential burn permits for residents living within the state responsibility area of Nevada, Sierra, and Plumas counties:

If you live in eastern Nevada County call the Truckee Fire Protection District at (530) 582-7850 for info on obtaining a burn permit, or go to their website:

If your burn project is over 1 acre in size then you will also need an Air Pollution Permit from the District.

Q: What are some tips on Open Burning? 

Preparing a Burn

  • Construct piles loosely - loose piles allow oxygen flow
  • Construct piles in a dome or teepee shape - flat, sprawling piles do not burn well.
  • Make sure your pile is clean of dirt
  • Light a test fire first - make sure the smoke goes up and away from neighbors before lighting a full pile
  • Burn during good ventilation - ensure smoke is being pushed up and away by the wind

Tending Your Burn

  • Add air to your pile -  a hat or a leaf blower can help aerate and ensure good combustion
  • Have proper tools on hand - wear gloves, have a shovel and source of water on hand
  • Be on site - stay with your pile and make sure it burns hot and clean
  • Extinguish if causing a nuisance - if your fire is not going well, or smoke is blowing toward a neighbor’s house, extinguish the fire and burn another day
Q: What are some alternatives to Open Burning? 

Composting

  • Reduces smoke pollution
  • Creates rich, fertile soils
  • Reduces landfill waste
  • Is an easy and effective way to dispose of leaves and pine needles
  • For more information on composting in Nevada County, visit the Master Gardeners of Nevada County website, or call them at (530) 273-0919

Chipping/Shredding

Green Waste Disposal

Q: How are burn days determined? 

The primary responsibility for a Burn Day decision resides with 2 agencies: the California Air Resources Board and CalFire.

The local Air District has the final say on the burn day status, but considers input from all relevant sources and agencies and will defer to the agency that calls for a No Burn Day.

The primary factors considered in a decision are fire danger, air quality and atmospheric dispersion characteristics.

Q: What does Rule 318 say? 

Rule 318 has been revised to allow for burning in the original Quincy No Burn Zone with a permit only.  The revised Rule can be found on our Rules page.

See map below for areas affected by the new permit requirement.

 

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