By Cris Alarcon, InEDC Writer. (April 26, 2025)
EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. — The CAL FIRE Amador-El Dorado Unit announced that effective Thursday, May 1, residential burn permits will be required for all outdoor landscape debris burning across El Dorado, Amador, Sacramento, Alpine counties, and South Lake Tahoe.
Residents must obtain a permit online at burnpermit.fire.ca.gov. To complete the process, applicants must watch a short educational video before applying. This step-by-step process ensures that property owners understand critical fire safety practices to minimize the risk of fires escaping control.
Permits are valid beginning May 1 of each year and must be renewed annually. They are free of charge and allow for the burning of dry, natural vegetation originating from the landowner’s property. Burning household trash remains strictly prohibited. All permits must be either printed or stored digitally and available for immediate inspection.
According to CAL FIRE, “Following safe burning practices helps protect our communities from preventable wildfires. The permit system ensures every property owner is fully informed about the legal and safety requirements.”
Key safety rules include maintaining a minimum 10-foot clearance to bare mineral soil around the burn pile, limiting pile size to 4 feet in diameter, and keeping a shovel and an adequate water source nearby. An adult must be present at all times during burning. Failure to follow these rules could result in a citation or fines.
Before burning, property owners must also contact their local Air Quality Management District to verify burn day status and additional restrictions:
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El Dorado County: (530) 621-5897
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Amador County: (209) 223-6246
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Sacramento County: (279) 972-2876 (BURN)
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Alpine County: (760) 872-8211
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South Lake Tahoe: (530) 621-5842 or (888) 332-2876
As a reminder, the use of burn barrels remains illegal in all counties covered by the CAL FIRE Amador-El Dorado Unit.
For alternatives to residential burning, residents are encouraged to contact the Amador Fire Safe Council at www.amadorfiresafe.org or the El Dorado County Fire Safe Council at www.edcfiresafe.org. These organizations offer programs such as chipping services and green waste disposal options.
For additional tips and resources on safe debris burning practices, visit CAL FIRE’s Ready for Wildfire website.
For burn permit questions, residents may call the CAL FIRE Amador-El Dorado Unit directly at (530) 644-2345.
