CAL-FIRE/local fire departments require burn permits except in the unincorporated areas of Butte County including the Upper Ridge/Magalia. CAL-FIRE burn permits are required for Residential (dooryard) and Fire Hazard Reduction Burning beginning on May 1, 2023. See the Press Release for more information. As an alternative to burning, Butte County residents living in the Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) have free green waste drop-off days this spring at the Neal Road Recycling and Waste Facility. For dates and more information, go to https://buttefiresafe.net/spring-2023-free-wui-green-waste-days-schedule.
Location | Open burning requirements when burning is allowed (“permissive burn day”). Do not burn on a “no burn day” or if weather conditions, such as wind, make it unsafe. |
Within Chico City limits |
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Unincorporated areas within Chico Sphere of Influence |
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Town of Paradise |
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Magalia / Upper Ridge (January through June) |
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Within Oroville City limits |
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Within Biggs & Gridley City limits |
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All other areas of Butte County |
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General Requirements for All Residential and Fire Hazard Reduction Burning
Before burning in Butte County, you MUST check the burn day status on the day that you are burning by calling 530-332-9407 (toll free: 855-332-9407) or by going to www.bcaqmd.org.
- Burn hours apply in all areas of Butte County for all types of burning. See the table above for residential and fire hazard reduction burn hours in specific geographic areas in the County.
- Vegetation must be dry and free of dirt.
- After pruning/cutting, allow vegetation to dry for at least 15 days if under 6 inches in diameter, 30 days if over 6 inches in diameter.
- Only natural vegetation grown on the property can be burned.
- It is illegal to burn any non-vegetative material, including, but not limited to garbage, paper, cardboard, any dimensional lumber, tires, construction materials, plastic, rubber, paint, bedding or furniture.
- Burn barrels are illegal.
- Do not burn when your smoke will impact others: you are responsible for your smoke’s impact.
- Some fire jurisdictions require burn permits (see above). Follow the requirements on your fire agency issued burn permit.
- The Fire Hazard Reduction Burning Fact Sheet contains information about regulations on open burning conducted at multi-unit dwellings, by commercial entities, and on lots of one acre or greater in size. Available in Spanish here.
Please burn safely!
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Additional Requirements for Burning on Lots Less Than One Acre In Size
- All open burn piles must be located more than 25 feet from any neighbor’s occupied dwelling.
- The pile size may not exceed 4 feet in diameter. All areas within 10 feet of the burn pile must be clear of vegetation and flammable material.
- A responsible adult must be in attendance and water must be available until the burn pile is completely extinguished.
- Burning poison oak is prohibited.
- The Residential Open Burning Fact Sheet contains information about regulations on residential open burning on lots less than one acre in size. Available in Spanish here.
Alternatives to Burning
Free Chipper Program: The Butte County Fire Safe Council has a free chipping program for Butte County Residents. For information, please call the Fire Safe Council at 877-0984 or click here: Chipper Program. The Butte County Fire Safe Council is also offering a Residents Assistance Program in preparation for Fire Season.
Waste Management: Information Online or Call (530) 893-4777
Recology: Information Online or Call (530) 533-5868
Northern Recycling and Waste Services: Information Online or Call (530) 876-3340
Backyard Composting: Recycle Butte has a Composting Guide along with information on recycling and disposal of many types of materials and waste.
A note from the EPA on backyard recreational fires:
https://www.epa.gov/burnwise/backyard-recreational-fires