The 2012 -2013 winter burn season is officially over.
Burning is not allowed until the beginning of the next fire season and a burn permit is required. The opening of the burn season is normally in mid-November but the actual date is determined by the amount of rainfall received and varies from year to year.
The procedure for obtaining a burn permit during the non-fire season is as follows:
Step 1) A Bay Area Quality Management District Burn Permit is required for any brush burning. This permit is called Notification Form C and can be requested by calling 415 749-4600. This form is also available online at www.baaqmd.gov/forms.aspx under the catagory "Hazard Reduction Fires." Or you may download the form here. Complete the form and fax it to BAQM.
Step 2) Call BAQM at 800 792-0787 after 3 PM the day prior to the burn to see if burning is permitted in our area. This will be a recorded message.
Step 3) On the day of the burn you must notify the Sonoma County fire officials at 707 565-1700 that you will be burning. They will require your location and a contact number.
Brush should be dried a minimum of 60 days before burning so that it does not create excessive smoke. Follow the rules in the permit or you may be cited and fined $1000 per infraction. If your burning spreads out of control and damages someone else's property you may be held liable.
Burn Safely
- Make sure you have adequate clearance to any surrounding vegetation
- Have water available
- Do not make your brush piles to large as they will be difficult to control
