CAL FIRE’s Amador-El Dorado Unit is suspending all burn permits for outdoor residential debris burning within State Responsibility Areas of Alpine, Amador, El Dorado, and other northern California counties.
The suspension went into effect at 12:01 a.m. on Monday.
According to an X post by CAL FIRE AEU, the suspension applies to all residential outdoor burning of landscape debris such as branches and leaves.
The move comes as warming temperatures, dry winds, and abundant grass growth have increased fire danger across the region.
“Although debris burning is useful to reduce flammable vegetation, the conditions in the Amador-El Dorado Unit have reached the point where debris burning poses an unacceptable risk of starting a wildfire, and it is no longer safe for the public to perform these types of burns,” said AEU Chief Mike Blankenheim.
While residential debris burning is no longer permitted, CAL FIRE is urging residents to stay prepared for wildfire by clearing vegetation, creating defensible space, and using safe disposal methods like chipping or hauling to a biomass facility.
Here are tips CAL FIRE recommends to protect property:
Clear all dead or dying vegetation at least 100 feet from all structures.
Eliminate leaves and needles from roofs, gutters, and under decks.
Use safe alternatives for landscape debris disposal.
CAL FIRE emphasized that campfires may still be allowed in designated areas with a valid campfire permit. To check restrictions or apply for a permit, you can visit www.readyforwildfire.org/permits.
More information on how to create defensible space and prepare for a wildfire is available at www.readyforwildfire.org.
