Residential Burning - Frequently Asked Questions

Residential Burning Frequently Asked Questions (PDF)

Do I need a burn permit from the Air Pollution Control District?

While you do need a burn permit from your local fire department or district, you don't need an air pollution burn permit to do allowed residential burning.
Burning on vacant lots, parcels or businesses is not considered residential burning. Burning materials in these places does require a burn permit from the Air Pollution Control District.

What can I burn?

Dry tree trimmings Dry weeds	Dry, leaves and pine needles Dry vegetative material
It is no longer legal to burn grass clippings because they cause too much smoke. This material must have been grown on the property it is burned on. You cannot move material from one location to another for burning.

What is illegal to burn?

Paper and cardboard (See the California Air Resources Board Web site for more information.) Lawn clippings Furniture	Construction/demolition debris Metal and cans Lumber Tar paper	Garbage or rubbish Asphalt shingles Plastics and glass Rubber
These are some of the materials which are illegal to burn. Smoke from burning them can contain harmful chemicals, which may cause illness. Information on Treated Wood Waste can be found at the Department of Toxic Substances Control

All burn materials must be DRY and reasonably free from dirt. If your burn pile is wet, let it dry before burning.

Material Size -- Recommended Drying Times
* Smaller than 6" in diameter -- 3 to 6 weeks
* Greater than 6" in diameter -- 6 weeks or more

Burning Process

Burn barrels can no longer be used for burning. (See the California Air Resources Board Web site for more information.)
Only burn materials that can be reasonably burned before the next day.
Before it rains, cover your burnable materials with a tarp to keep them dry.
If your burn pile is wet, let it dry a few days.
Avoid causing a smoke nuisance to neighbors or nearby businesses.

When can I burn?

You can only burn on a "burn day." All Federal Holidays are no burn days. For burn day information, please call:

In the Auburn local calling area -- (530) 889-6868

Toll-free in Placer County outside of the Auburn area -- 1-800-998-2876 (BURN)

The toll-free number does not work for cell phones.

Are there alternatives to burning?

Learn more about Western Placer County recycling options
Learn more about Eastern Placer County recycling options
Compost, mulch, chip or shred branches, vegetation, leaves or pine needles.
Free CDF fuel reduction chipper program - call (530) 889-0111, ext. 3, to request information. A PDF document with information and a chipper service application for the county west of Donner Summit is available.
Placer County Master Composters or call the ROTLINE - 530-889-7399.
Recycle cardboard and paper.
California Materials Exchange Program, matching people with things to dispose of - like doors, windows, glass, or plastic items - with people who need the same items.
Biomass Burning Alternatives - Companies which dispose of vegetation without burning by chipping, processing, etc.
Use larger branches and wood as firewood.

Who can I contact for more information on burning and air quality?

Call, visit or write the Placer County Air Pollution Control District
3091 County Center Drive, Suite 240
Auburn, CA 95603, in the DeWitt Center
Phone - 530-745-2330
Fax - 530-745-2373