LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — The annual Lake County Burn Ban has ended for 2024.

It was lifted as of 9 a.m. Friday, Nov. 22, with Cal Fire’s declaration that fire season hazardous conditions have abated, fire season requirements have been lifted, and Cal Fire is transiting to winter preparedness.

Burn permits are required for all outdoor burning in the Lake County Air Basin. Residential and agricultural burn permits can be obtained online at www.lcaqmd.net or by appointment at the district office.

A smoke management plan burn permit is required for multi-day burns, overnight burns, standing vegetation burns, whole tree or vine removal, burns over 20 acres in one day, and any other burn where significant smoke impacts may occur or sensitive receptors may be impacted.

A smoke management plan can be obtained at the Lake County Air Quality Management District office, call 707-263-7000 to make an appointment. Bring a map showing the burn location (https://gispublic.co.lake.ca.us/portal/home/), burn site coordinates (GPS locations), parcel number or address, acres to be burned, and details of vegetation to be burned.

A fee is required for all burn permits, payable at the time the permit is issued. Smoke Management Plans, Agricultural burn permits and Residential burn permits are $34. In person payments may be made by cash, check, or money order. Online permit payment is by credit card only.

Only clean dry vegetation that was grown on the property may be burned. Residential burn permits require a one acre or larger lot of record, a burn location that is at least 100 feet from all neighbors, and at least 30 feet from any structure in order to qualify. Read your burn permit carefully and follow all the conditions.

Please be considerate of your neighbors. A permit does not allow you to create health problems for others. You can be liable for health care costs, fines, and other costs resulting from your burning.

Consider composting or using the vegetative waste pickup provided with your waste collection service as an alternative to burning leaves. Lake County’s joint fire agencies and air quality management district’s open burning program has incorporated both fire safety and air quality management since 1987.