MARIPOSA – Effective today at 8 a.m. the burn permit suspension in Madera Mariposa Merced Unit (MMU) of Cal Fire has been lifted, according to Fire Prevention Specialist Karen Guillemin-Kanawyer. This affects State Responsibility Areas within Mariposa County, Madera County, and Merced Counties. Cal Fire MMU Unit Chief Nancy Koerperich is formally cancelling the burn permit suspension, and advises that those possessing current and valid residential burn permits can now resume burning on permissible burn days.
Daytime burning will be allowed above the 3000 foot elevation in Madera and Mariposa Counties. As fuel conditions change, the elevation will be adjusted. For Mariposa County only, burning at all elevations will be allowed during evening hours – 7 p.m. to 8 a.m.
Cal Fire or other approved burn permits will be required until the end of peak fire season. While cooler temperatures have helped to diminish the threat of wildfire, California is still in the fourth year of drought. Property owners and residents are asked to use caution while conducting debris burns. Always use caution when burning, follow all guidelines provided, and 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.
It is the responsibility of the public to check burn day status by calling the local Air Pollution Control District with jurisdiction over the area. The burn day status phone number for each area is listed on the permit.
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.
