Prescribed Fire
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What is a prescribed burn association?
Local County Based Prescribed Burn Associations
Prescribed Fire
Prescribed fire is the use of fire under predetermined conditions to achieve specific objectives. It is an important tool in wildfire hazard reduction, ecosystem restoration, vegetation management, and wildlife habitat enhancement; it is also an important cultural resource, and it has application in forest management and rangeland improvement.
Prescribed fire has unique effects on ecosystems, and most of those effects can't be achieved without fire.
In recent history, the majority of prescribed fires have been conducted by large resource agencies (e.g. Cal Fire and US Forest Service). But, in the last few years, driven in large by part by the efforts of UCCE Fire Advisors in Humboldt County, a new collaborative model of conducting safe prescribed fires has been introduced to California, the prescribed burn association (PBA).
Burning by the Day: Why cost/acre is not a good metric for prescribed fire
What is a Prescribed Burn Association (PBA)?
A PBA is a collaborative community-based organization consisting of landowners, land managers, community members, non-profit organizations, and fire professionals. Members of the PBA pool their resources and energy to help private landowners use safe prescribed fire on their land.
To learn more about the efforts to build PBAs across California check out calpba.org
To learn more about the efforts of the first PBA in California (Humboldt PBA) and the efforts of UCCE Fire Advisors in Humboldt County, check out the video below.
Local Prescribed Burn Associations
Mendocino County PBA (MCPBA)
With over 100 members, a community forum, and a formal steering committee made up of local community members, the MCPBA has been active since 2020. Check out the kzyx story Word of Mouth article we have been featured in.
Lake County PBA (LCPBA)
The LCPBA has over 100 members, a community forum, and a formal steering committee made up of local community members. We have been active since 2021.
Good Fire Alliance (GFA, Sonoma County PBA)
Guided by the efforts of UCCE Sonoma and Audubon Canyon Ranch, Fire Forward program, and a large and engaged community, GFA has been active since 2019. To learn more about the GFA, check out their Facebook page.
Radio and Radio Frequency Recommendations for Prescribed Burn Associations
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To learn more about any of these local county based PBAs, contact Michael Jones at mjones@ucanr.edu or (707) 463-4495.
Liability and Prescribed Fire in California
For an excellent summary of Liability and Prescribed Fire in California, check out the UCCE Humboldt-Del Norte Fire web page.
These resources are for viewer information only and viewers should seek legal advice for interpretation of laws prior to prescribed fire planning or ignition.
Permits and Regulation
Each county requires burn permits from Cal Fire and the Air Quality Management District depending on season.
Counties may have slightly different regulatory processes or permitting structures; therefore it is imperative you check with regulators in each county to make sure you are in compliance with their regulations.
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Cal Fire Burn Permit
During certain times of the year, burning of vegetation is allowed. Burn permits may be required. During the dry months, CAL FIRE will suspend burning altogether.
Always check with your local fire station or CAL FIRE station, as well as local air quality management agency before burning.
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Mendocino County Air Quality Management District Burn Permits (MCAQMD)
The mission of the Mendocino County Air Quality Management District is to protect and manage air quality, an essential public resource upon which the health of the community depends.
When burning is allowed, burning must comply with the MCAQMD regulations.
Burn permits are required for all burning in Mendocino County.
MCAQMD Burn Permits are $19.
A Smoke Management Plan may be required for certain types of burns.
BEFORE YOU BURN, ALWAYS CALL 463-4391
BURN ONLY ON PERMISSIVE DAYS
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Lake County Air Quality Management District (LCAQMD)
The mission of the Lake County Air Quality Management District (LCAQMD) is to maintain healthful ambient air quality for the residents and visitors of the Lake County Air Basin.
When burnings is allowed, all burns must comply with LCAQMD regulations.
Burn permits are required for all burning in Lake County.
There are several types of LCAQMD burn permits.
Residential & Agricultural Permits $28
Lot Clearing/Land Development Vegetation Burn Permits $84
A Smoke Management Plan may be required for certain types of burns.
Smoke Management Plans $28
BEFORE YOU BURN, ALWAYS CALL 263-7000
BURN ONLY ON PERMISSIVE DAYS