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 Burn Information

What is a Burn Day?

Burn days are designated by the California Air Resources Board (ARB). Each day the ARB examines weather patterns to predict whether the smoke from fires will dissipate safely. If the answer is yes, the ARB declares that day a burn day. Information is then relayed to Yolo-Solano AQMD [YSAQMD] & local fire agencies.

What is Rural Burning?
(general cleaning of yard waste from property)

Rural yard burning is the open burning of yard waste (dry weeds, plant pruning’s, shrubbery, tree trimmings and branches) by household residents. Rural yard burning is permitted in Yolo-Solano AQMD only on District-wide burn days and only when authorized by the West Plainfield Fire Department

Requirements

  • Confirm that a burn is permissible
  • Notify Yolo County Dispatch
  • Notify West Plainfield Fire Department
  • Burning may only occur within times set by Yolo-Solano AQMD. In all cases, fires may not smolder or burn later than 5:00 p.m.
  • All burn material must be dry and free of trash or dirt
  •  Green waste must come from the property where burning occurs
  • Burn piles cannot be larger than 4 feet high by 6 feet diameter
  • Burn piles must have adequate clearance from neighboring property (50 feet), structures (50 feet) and combustible materials (15 feet)
  • Must be supervised at all times with the ability to terminate if conditions require
  • Firefighting equipment (rake, shovel, etc.) and access to a water supply is required; either a garden hose (recommended) or portable water container
  • Burns may not cause a nuisance with smoke and ash to neighbors
  • If you live near a "smoke sensitive site" such as a school, nursing home or park, you must take extra care to eliminate potential smoke and ash impacts from your burn
  • Failure to burn within the requirements of the law may result in a citation and you may be liable for all suppression costs.

Agricultural Burning
(cleaning of yard waste from a producing orchard or field, [gainful occupation])

To obtain an AG Burn Permit, contact the:

Yolo-Solano Air Quality Management District
1947 Galileo Ct., Suite 103
Davis, CA 95618
(530) 757-3650 or (800) 287-3650
FAX (530) 757-3670

When May I Burn?
The hours during which you may burn depend on the daily requirements established by the YSAQMD. Burning is allowed only on declared burn days.

For more information you may contact us at 530-756-0212.