RX Fire Regulation in Plumas County

Burn Status

Permitting

California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) at the unit level oversees at what point in the year burning in each county is “allowed” or “restricted.” Burning on private, state, and local government lands are regulated by CAL FIRE.

If you live in a Local Responsibility Area (LRA) contact your Fire Protection District for burning information. Parts of the communities of Chester, Portola, Sierra Valley, and Quincy fall within LRA. Find your FPD boundaries here. List of local fire authority contacts here.

CAL FIRE issues Burn Permits. In Plumas County, during the “allowed” burn season, no Burn Permits are needed for burning.

When burning becomes “restricted” you need permits for burning activities:

An LE-62A is needed for residential piles (4’x4’x4′)
An LE-5 is needed for piles larger than stated above
An LE-7/8 is needed for broadcast/underburning

Click here for the CAL FIRE permit portal. The process is completely online as of 2023.

Northern Sierra Air Quality District (NSAQMD) oversees air quality regulation in Nevada, Sierra, and Plumas Counties. The District determines daily burn status based on air quality and other factors. Check Burn Day Status here.

Burning is always prohibited within the Portola City limits.

NSAQMD issues Air Pollution Permits for qualifying projects.

Air Pollution Permits are required for any outdoor burning on non-residential property.

For residential property, an Air Pollution Permit is required for any burn larger than an acre. Burns over 10 acres also require a Smoke Management Plan.

Any burning within Quincy and East Quincy (south of Lee Road) requires an Air Pollution Permit.