Burning Info

Do I Need a Burn Permit?

Any non-residential burning always requires an Air Pollution Permit from the Air District. If you have any doubts about your need for a permit, call the Grass Valley Office.
If the local fire department tells you that you don’t need a burn permit, always double check with the Air District at 530-274-9360.
For residential burning, cases vary so please see the Open Burning page or call the Air District for more information (530-274-9360).

Where can I get a Residential burn permit?

Online Burn Permits are now available. The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection has transitioned to online residential burn permits for residents living within Nevada county. The online application will provide a convenient method for obtaining a burn permit.

Applicants can access the website at burnpermit.fire.ca.gov, watch the mandatory video which reviews burning requirements and safety tips, then fill in the required fields, submit the form and a door-yard burn permit will be created. The applicant must then print the permit and then sign it. Permits are valid for the calendar year in which they are issued and must be reissued annually on or after January 1st of each year.

If you live in eastern Nevada County call the Truckee Fire Department at (530) 582-7850 for info on obtaining a burn permit. If you live in Sierra or Plumas county either contact the Northern Air District Office or visit the Cal Fire website at https://burnpermit.fire.ca.gov/

A firefighter stands by a large grass fire, hose in hand, ready to extinguish the blaze.

Burn Day Status

If you’ve prepared your burn properly and obtained any required permits, check here on a daily basis for approved burn days.

Open Outdoor Burning

Learn about the guidelines and restrictions for outdoor burning, both residential and non-residential. Read in-depth here before starting your burn.

Burn Wise: Indoor Burning

Take care of yourself and your family’s health while protecting local air quality by learning how best to burn in your wood stove or fireplace. Find out more here.

Tips on Burning

Best practices for outdoor burns can be found here; save time, money and hassle by following these guidelines! Get more info here.

Alternatives to Burning

Consider these green alternatives to burning which benefit the environment and help preserve good air quality.

Website Accessibility Policy

Northern Sierra Air Quality Management District is fully committed to providing accessible facilities, elements and channels of communication to all members of the public. As part of this commitment, Northern Sierra Air Quality Management District has a policy of providing an accessible website compatible with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 2.1) and commercial screen reading software. All features of the website are coded to allow individuals with vision and other impairments to understand and use the website to the same degree as someone without disabilities. We welcome feedback and can often resolve issues in a timely manner if they arise.

If you need any special assistance or accommodations:

Call us at 530.274.9360

Ongoing Compliance Information

Compliance Officer

Northern Sierra Air Quality Management District has designated a compliance officer for website disability-related accommodations. The compliance officer has received training in website accessibility and updates the site in accordance with those best practices. Contact our accessibility officer to report an issue.

Compliance Procedures and Reports

In addition to testing with users with a wide range of disabilities and coding our website to WCAG standards, Northern Sierra Air Quality Management District regularly scans its website to ensure ongoing compliance, and makes timely changes to any inaccessible changes, if any are found.

Linked Documents and Third Parties

Please note that this site may link out to third-party websites, such as state or federal agencies, that do not have accessible content. This site may also include documents provided by third parties included in our agenda packets, for example. While we cannot control the accessibility of content provided by third parties, we are happy to assist any member of the public with reading and accessing content on our site.

See an opportunity for us to improve? Please contact our accessibility officer or call us at 530.274.9360.

Report a Website Accessibility Issue

We are committed to your ability to access all content, and we will respond to all requests as soon as possible.