MARIPOSA – With the return of winter weather, Cal Fire Madera-Mariposa-Merced Unit (MMU) has lifted the burn permit suspension effective Tuesday, Nov. 27, at 8 a.m.
Unit Chief Nancy Koerperich is formally cancelling the burn permit suspension and advises that those possessing current and valid agriculture and residential burn permits can now resume burning on permissible burn days.
Agriculture burns must be inspected by Cal Fire prior to burning until the end of the peak fire season. Inspections may be required for burns other than agriculture burns as well. This can be verified by contacting your local Air Quality Management District.
Burn permits will be required. While cooler temperatures have helped to diminish the threat of wildfire, we are still suffering the effects of an extended drought.
Property owners and residents are asked to use caution while conducting debris or agriculture burns , and follow all burning guidelines provided. Property owners and residents must maintain control of the fire at all times. Individuals can be held civilly and/or criminally liable for allowing a fire to escape their control and/or burn onto neighboring property.
Residents wishing to burn MUST verify that it is a permissive burn day prior to burning. Residential burn permits for Madera and Mariposa Counties are free and available at Cal Fire stations. Merced County residents contact the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District.
- Madera County — San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control burn day information line: 877-429-2876
- Merced County — San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control burn day information line: 877-429-2876
- Mariposa County — Mariposa County burn day information line: 209-966-1200
- Mariposa County Air Pollution Control District 209-966-2220
Pile Burning Requirements:
- Only dry, natural vegetative material such as leaves, pine needles and tree trimmings may be burned.
- The burning of trash, painted wood or other debris is not allowed.
- Do NOT burn on windy days.
- Piles should be no larger than four feet in diameter and in height. You can add to pile as it burns down.
- Clear a 10-foot diameter down to bare soil around your piles.
- Have a shovel and a water source nearby.
- An adult is required to be in attendance of the fire at all times.
Safe residential pile burning of forest residue by landowners is a crucial tool in reducing fire hazards. State, federal and local land management and fire agencies will also be utilizing this same window of opportunity to conduct prescribed burns aimed at improving forest health on private and public lands.
For more information on burning, visit the CAL FIRE website at www.fire.ca.gov.
