EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. — The El Dorado County Board of Supervisors is scheduled Wednesday to review conceptual approval of a proposed ordinance from the Sheriff’s Office titled “Unlawful Fires on Private or Public Property,” aiming to outlaw unauthorized ignition and maintenance of fires across the unincorporated county. The measure appears on the Board’s Feb. 3 meeting agenda but lacks complete draft language for public review.
Under Board Policy A-3 on Ordinances, the Sheriff’s Office must first present the ordinance conceptually before returning with finalized text. The proposal would add Chapter 8.07 to Title 8 (Public Health and Safety) of the county code to broadly define and ban “unlawful fires,” establish enforcement authority, and impose misdemeanor penalties for violations.
According to the agenda description, the ordinance is intended to address wildfire risk and protect lives, property and the environment in a county significantly located within Moderate to Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones, shaped by recent catastrophic wildfires including the Caldor, Mosquito and King fires.
Broad Scope Raises Questions
The Sheriff’s Office narrative underscores challenges local authorities face in curbing high-risk fire behavior. But opponents expressed concern this morning that the ordinance could go far beyond current fire safety rules and permit restrictions, potentially affecting everyday burning practices that are already regulated. One local resident, Sue Taylor, said in a social media comment: “If it’s about homeless illegally burning … then just make it about that.”
Taylor also questioned the scope of proposed restrictions on recreational fire size and height, noting “I think this came up due to the homeless guy that set a fire on Main Street… I can’t believe that is not already illegal.” (comment excerpt) — underscoring public confusion about existing law.
Existing Burn Regulations
Current outdoor burning in El Dorado County already is governed by state and local rules:
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Outdoor burning of dry vegetation may be allowed on designated “Burn Days,” with requirements for permits and size limits when applicable.
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Burn permits are generally required for larger residential debris piles exceeding 4 feet by 4 feet, with a ten-foot clear zone down to bare soil and responsible adult attendance.
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Burning is prohibited on “No Burn Days” based on air quality and fire danger.
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Burn barrels remain illegal, and fires producing excessive smoke may trigger enforcement action.
In November 2025, CAL FIRE temporarily lifted certain permit requirements for some landscape debris burning in State Responsibility Areas, contingent on verification of permissible burn days with the Air Quality Management District, though safety restrictions remain.
What the Ordinance Could Mean
At this stage, no complete ordinance text has been published for public review beyond the summary on the agenda, leaving ambiguity over how it would interact with existing permit systems and exemptions such as controlled, recreational, or licensed agricultural burns. If approved conceptually, county staff would return with a fully drafted ordinance for public hearing, potential revision, and eventual adoption.
Sheriff’s Office spokespersons have emphasized that enforcement would remain coordinated with local fire agencies, but specifics — including how deputies will enforce the measure where existing state and local fire codes already apply — have not been detailed publicly.
Next Steps
The Board of Supervisors meeting on Feb. 3, 2026, offers the first public airing of the Sheriff’s recommendation; residents and stakeholders will have an opportunity to voice concerns or support during that session. Written comments can also be submitted ahead of time through the county’s clerk/recorder office.
