Confusion reigns supreme over outdoor burning regulations.  Based on numerous calls to Mariposa County Fire, following are responses to those most often asked questions.  If you have additional questions, please call Mariposa County Fire at 966-4330 or CAL FIRE at 966-3622.

What agency controls outdoor burning?  During declared wildland fire season CAL FIRE (formerly CDF) is charged by State code with regulating outdoor burning.  In normal years fire season in Mariposa County usually lasts from early-May to late-October.  During the balance of the year outdoor burning is regulated by Mariposa County Environmental Health with air quality guiding permissive burn day decisions.

When do I need an outdoor burn permit?  Permits are issued by CAL FIRE and are required for all burning during declared fire season.  During this period permissive burn days are determined based on fire hazard conditions.  No permit for a normal size fire is required during non-declared fire season.  During fire season, burn permits are issued at the CAL FIRE station at 5366 Highway 49 N.

How do I know if it is a permissive burn day?  Before lighting a burn pile you must call the Burn Information Line at 966-1200 or 888-440-2876.  Information is updated each day at around midnight.

What can I burn outdoors?  You may only burn natural vegetation that is trimmed from your property.  Burning is a privilege extended to assist you in reducing hazardous fuels from around your homes and outbuildings.  It is illegal to burn household refuse, newspapers, tires, plastics, milled lumber, excess building materials, or any other natural or manufactured material.

What can I burn in my metal barrel?  Absolutely nothing!  For the past three years burn barrels have been prohibited by law.

How large can my burn pile be?  Burn piles are limited to a maximum of four feet in diameter.  In addition, there must be 10 feet of bare earth clearance completely around the pile, a responsible adult must be in attendance and suppression water and/or hand tools must be readily available.  Burn piles larger than four feet in diameter require a written permit for each burn regardless of time of year from Mariposa County Environmental Health Department.  Additional information may be obtained by calling 966-2220.

When burning outdoors please be considerate of your neighbors.  Burn only dry vegetation and be mindful of drifting smoke.  Many in our community, especially seniors and young children, are sensitive to smoke and other irritants produced by burning.  Clean, breathable air is everyone’s right.

Both Mariposa County Fire and CAL FIRE encourages each and every homeowner and renter to take immediate steps to create defensible space around your home.  Due to a lack of rainfall and rapidly lowering live fuel moistures, this summer holds potential to be the most disastrous fire season in Mariposa County’s history.  Help us help you!  No fire agency will place their responders in harm’s way to protect property that is not properly prepared.  Recommended landscaping techniques and clearance guidelines can be obtained at CAL FIRE’s Mariposa office.  How you treat your yard over the next 45 days may determine if it will survive this fire season.