In 2012, 23 percent of all wildfires in the Amador-El Dorado Unit of CalFire were caused by residential debris burning. The 47 fires burned 52 acres.

Residential burn permits will be required beginning May 1. These permits are issued to the public for free and are valid for three years from the date of issuance. Permits allow for the burning of dry vegetation (not household trash) that originates on the landowners property. Burn permits are available at most of the local staffed fire stations.

The use of burn barrels is no longer legal in Amador or El Dorado counties.

Safety tips for burning:

• Make sure your pile(s) are no larger than four feet by four feet in size
• Scrape a 10-foot wide ring around each debris pile down to bare dirt
• Have a shovel and water supply (charged hose) close by to use in the event your fire escapes from the pile
• Make sure an adult is in attendance until the pile is completely extinguished
• You can only burn on “permissive burn days” so make sure to call your local Air Quality Management District immediately prior to lighting your pile(s).

For Amador County call (209) 223.6246, El Dorado County call (530) 621.5897 or 866.621.5897, Lake Tahoe area of El Dorado County call (530) 621.5842 or 888.332-2876 or Alpine County call (916) 445.0745.