The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) Lassen-Modoc Unit has announced effective at 8:00 a.m. on May 1, 2026 all hazard reduction burning will require a permit in the counties of Lassen, Modoc, and Plumas
Counties. Burn permits must now be obtained online at https://burnpermit.fire.ca.gov/. Applicants can access the website to obtain a burn permit which involves watching a short educational video and submitting an application. The process provides the necessary information needed to conduct the burn safely, while minimizing the chance for fire escape. Permits must be in possession either by printed copy or digitally. Permits are valid beginning May 1st of each year and require annual renewal. Permits are issued free of charge. Property owners conducting hazard reduction burning are responsible for checking the burn day status by contacting their local air pollution control district. Burning can only be done on permissive burn days and within permissive burn hours as determined by the local Air Pollution Control Districts (APCD) or Air Quality Management Districts (AQMD). To
find out if it is a permissive burn day or if burning is limited to specific hours, call the CAL FIRE Lassen, Modoc, Plumas Burn Permit and Air Pollution District phone line at (530) 251-4403. This phone number will direct you to the Lassen, Modoc, and Plumas County APCD or AQMD for permissive burn day status and hours.
IMPORTANT: Normally CAL FIRE Burn Permits are only required for residents who live within the State Responsibility Area (SRA), or where CAL FIRE has jurisdictional authority, however, in cooperation with local Fire Department Jurisdictions within Lassen, Modoc, and Plumas Counties, all residents may apply for a CALFIRE burn permit to burn when permits are required. Residents of the City of Susanville and City of Alturas must contact their respective Fire Department to obtain a burn permit as CAL FIRE burn permits are not accepted within those jurisdictions. No burning is allowed within the City
of Portola.
Property owners conducting hazard reduction burning are responsible for checking the burn day status by contacting their local air pollution control district.
Hazard Reduction Guidelines are listed on the permit and must be followed at all times.
As a reminder, always have a minimum 10-foot clearance down to bare mineral soil
around all burn piles, a shovel and a water source available, and an adult present during
burning. Failure to follow these simple precautions may result in a citation and fines. For
further information regarding residential burning or other fire safety tips visit your local CAL
FIRE Station or go to www.readyforwildfire.org.
LASSEN COUNTY RESIDENTS: As of October 22nd, 2024, Lassen County has
adopted Chapter 9.17 in the Lassen County code of ordinances regarding
Regulations for Outdoor Burning. The regulations of Chapter 9.17 (Regulations
for Outdoor Burning) are for unincorporated areas of Lassen County pursuant to
Section 4125 of the Public Resource Code as Local Responsibility Area (LRA).
Chapter 9.17 (Regulations for Outdoor Burning) addresses the requirement of
burn permits and the suspension, restriction and Proclamation issued by the
Lassen County fire warden of burn permits within the unincorporated areas
(LRA) of Lassen County. For information regarding Chapter 9.17 (Regulations of
Outdoor Burning) of the Lassen County code or ordinances, click on the
provided link or type in Lassen County, CA REGULATIONS FOR OUTDOOR
BURNING
