MARIPOSA – The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) Madera-Mariposa-Merced Unit (MMU) has announced that effective at 8 a.m. on Wednesday, May 1, all hazard reduction burning will require a permit in Mariposa County.
Permits can be obtained at the nearest Cal Fire station:
- Cal Fire Catheys Valley – 2203 Highway 140, Catheys Valley
- Cal Fire Usona – 2629 Highway 49 South, Mariposa
- Cal Fire Mariposa – 5633 Highway 49 North, Mariposa
- Cal Fire Coulterville – 10508 Highway 49 North, Coulterville
Property owners conducting hazard reduction burning are responsible for checking the burn day status.
The Burn Day Information Line is 209-966-1200.
Mariposa County Air Pollution Control District is 209-966-2220.
Hazard reduction burning below 2,000 feet in elevation is restricted to nighttime burning only, between the hours of 7 p.m. and 8 a.m.
Hazard reduction burn piles are limited to 4×4 piles.
Additional guidelines are listed on the permit and must be followed at all times.
Guidelines for debris burning from Cal Fire:
During certain times of the year and in certain parts of the state, residential landscape debris burning of dead vegetation is allowed. However, homeowners should always check with their local fire station or Cal Fire station, as well as local air quality management agency before burning. Burn permits may be required and during the dry months Cal Fire will suspend burning all together.
Before You Get Started
First, obtain any burn permits that may be required before burning. In many areas, homeowners may be required to get a burn permit from your local fire station and local air district. After obtaining any necessary permits, ensure that burning is not currently restricted in your area.
How to Safely Burn Landscape Debris
- Landscape debris piles must be in small 4 feet by 4 feet piles.
- Maximum pile size is 4 feet in diameter.
- Clear all flammable material and vegetation within 10 feet of the outer edge of pile.
- Keep a water supply and shovel close to the burning site.
- A responsible adult is required by law to be in attendance until the fire is out.
- No burning shall be undertaken unless weather conditions (particularly wind) are such that burning can be considered safe.
It is important for residents to stay mindful of current weather conditions when burning. If it’s windy and the surrounding vegetation is very dry, it may be best to wait and burn landscape debris another day.
What can be burned?
Dry, natural vegetation, grown on the property can still be burned outdoors in open piles, unless prohibited by local ordinances. No household trash or garbage can be burned outdoors at residences.
When can you burn?
Burning can only be done on permissive burn days. Burn permits are only valid on “Permissive Burn Days” as determined by the State Air Resources Board or the local air district. To find out if it is a Burn Day, contact your local air district or call the number on your burn permit.
Residents of Madera County are always required to have a burn permit for all debris burning. Permits are free and available at any Cal Fire station.
- Cal Fire Ahwahnee – 43033 Highway 49 South, Ahwahnee
- Cal Fire Raymond – 34951 Road 606, Raymond
- Cal Fire Rancheria – 53488 Road 200, North Fork
- Cal Fire Bass Lake – 38333 Road 223, Oakhurst
- Cal Fire Coarsegold – 35600 Highway 41, Coarsegold
- Madera County Station 8 Indian Lakes – 47050 Road 417, Coarsegold
- Madera County Station 12 – 48355 Liberty Drive, Oakhurst
Cal Fire Online Burn Permits are now available in some areas of California. To find out if online permits are available in your area, visit the Cal Fire Burn Permit webpage.
For more information visit ReadyForWildfire.org or download the new Cal Fire app from the App Store or Google Play Store.
Follow Cal Fire MMU on Facebook at CALFIREMMU.
