Burn Day

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The Air Quality Management District regulates "burn" and "no burn" days, working alongside local fire districts, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, and the Air Resource Board. Please check to make sure today is a burn day before you burn.

El Dorado County Outdoor Burn Day Status

Sunday, May 12, 2024
West Slope El Dorado County	BURN DAY
Lake Tahoe Basin	BURN DAY

Monday, May 13, 2024
West Slope El Dorado County	BURN DAY
Lake Tahoe Basin	BURN DAY

Find more information about your burn day status on Facebook and Twitter.

West Slope El Dorado County residents can reach out by phone at (530) 621-5897 or (866) 621-5897.

Lake Tahoe residents can call (530) 621-5842 or (888) 332-2876.

What Can I Burn?

In El Dorado County, outdoor burning is limited to the burning of dry vegetation, originating from the property on which it is burned. It is illegal to burn lumber and garbage. The "Burn Day / No Burn Day" requirements only apply to outdoor burning in El Dorado County. If your burn pile exceeds 4 feet by 4 feet, a free Burn Permit is required from the Air District (application link below).

There are no restrictions on burning in fireplaces, woodstoves, and pellet stoves within El Dorado County. Please burn only dry seasoned firewood or pellets.

Burn barrels are prohibited. (View the Air Toxic Control Measure to learn more).

Burn Permits

Before participating in a burn day, residents must have both an Air District and Cal Fire permit to burn outside. Follow the instructions below to obtain permits.

Online Air District Burn Permit Application

Only required for piles larger than 4’x4’
Applications are reviewed and approved between 8am -5pm Monday through Friday.

Online Cal Fire Burn Permit Application

Required at the beginning and end of burn season, when fire danger is higher. There will be an announcement on the burn line if Cal Fire burn permits are required.

Learn More about Outdoor Burning

With California's dry climate, it is critical to participate in outdoor burn days in a safe manner. Check out the links below to learn about outdoor burning best practices and how you can participate in the safest way for you, your family, and your neighbors.

Burn Violators Online Training Course

If you are ticketed for violating the county burn regulations, you have the option to take the Online Training Course in lieu of part or all of the monetary violation. You may also review the course if you are interested in learning more about outdoor burning.