At the NCRCD, we want to help you make the steps to burn safely, legally, and responsibly. This page will provide helpful tips and links to help you get your prescribed burn going.

For more detailed information on prescribed fire, please visit our resources page: Prescribed Fire Education Programs - Nevada County Resource Conservation District

PREPARING YOUR BURN SITE: General Tips

• Reduce ladder fuels
• Scrape a 4ft wide control line to bare, mineral soil
• Make sure water is accessible throughout your site and adjacent to your site; you want to be able to put out any fire that may climb a tree or jump over your control line!

 PREPARING YOUR PERMITS

• See if its a permissible or open burning season: Current Burn Status | CAL FIRE Burn Permits
• Prepare a Burn Plan. Here is the CA Standardized Prescribed Fire Plan Template
  • We also have our resources for your burn: Prescribed Fire Education Programs - Nevada County Resource Conservation District
• Here is where you apply for burn permits: CAL FIRE Burn Permits
  • Single 4x4' pile: Residential Burn Permit (LE-62A)
  • General Burn Permit for multiple large piles: LE 5
  • Broadcast/Prescribed burn: LE7

PREPARING TO BURN

• Check upcoming weather, making sure its good conditions for burning. Weather you want for your burn window is:
  • Not too hot
  • Not to humid or too dry
  • Not too calm or too windy
• 7-Day Forecast for Grass Valley
  • Make sure you select your location
• Tabular Weather Forecast: National Weather Service
• Check if its a Burn Day in your County: Burn Day Status - Northern Sierra Air Quality Management District