The 2011 fire season has officially started. As of May 31st, 2011 burning is no longer allowed.
The normal non-fire-season process (Nov 15th to May 1st) is as follows:
Step 1) Get an air quality permit, fill it out and fax it in.
Step 2) Check to see if it is a burn day
Step 3) Notify fire officials the day of the burn
Step 1) A Bay Area Air Quality Management District Burn Permit is required for any brush burning. This permit is called Notification Form C and you can request one by calling 415-749-4600. You can also find this form online at www.baaqmd.gov/forms.aspx it will be listed under the category “Hazard Reduction Fires”. For your convenience you can download the form here.
Step 2) Once you have sent in the burn permit you need to call BAQM after 3pm the day prior to the burn to see if burning is allowed for our area. Call them at 1-800-792-0787 to hear the recorder message.
Step 3) On the day of your burn you must notify the county fire officials that you will be burning 1-707-565-1700. They will ask for your location and get a contact number.
Note that as outlined in the permit, brush should be dried a minimum of 60 days before burning so that it does not create excessive smoke. Follow the rules, BAQM will fine you $1000 per infraction if your are cited!
Burn safely! When burning make sure you have adequate clearance to any surrounding vegetation. Have water available and don't make the brush piles too large to control! (Ask us how we know!!) If your burning spreads out of control and damages someone else's property you may be liable!