Check Now: Northern California's 5-County Burn Permit Suspension

Michael

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Post on Jun 20, 2025

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Check Now: Northern California's 5-County Burn Permit Suspension

Wildfire risk prompts emergency suspension of burn permits across Butte, Glenn, Shasta, Tehama, and Plumas Counties.

Northern California is facing a critical wildfire threat, leading to an emergency suspension of all burn permits across five counties. Effective immediately, residents in Butte, Glenn, Shasta, Tehama, and Plumas Counties are prohibited from conducting any outdoor burning, including agricultural burning, land clearing, and recreational fires. This drastic measure is a direct response to the heightened fire danger caused by dry conditions, strong winds, and low humidity.

This unprecedented suspension impacts thousands of residents and underscores the urgent need for heightened wildfire awareness. The decision was made collaboratively by Cal Fire and local fire agencies to prevent the potential ignition of devastating wildfires. The lack of significant rainfall and persistent high temperatures have created a tinderbox environment across the region, making even the smallest spark a potential catastrophe.

Which Counties are Affected?

The burn permit suspension covers the following five counties in Northern California:

• Butte County: Home to Chico and Paradise, Butte County has a history of devastating wildfires, making this suspension particularly crucial.
• Glenn County: Known for its agricultural lands, the suspension impacts farmers and ranchers who rely on controlled burns for land management.
• Shasta County: This large county encompasses diverse landscapes, all currently at elevated fire risk.
• Tehama County: Similar to Shasta County, Tehama County faces significant wildfire danger due to the current conditions.
• Plumas County: Located in the northern Sierra Nevada, Plumas County experiences unique fire challenges due to its mountainous terrain and dry forests.

What Does the Suspension Mean for Residents?

The suspension means absolutely no outdoor burning is permitted in these counties until further notice. This includes:

• Agricultural Burning: Farmers and ranchers are prohibited from burning crop residue or other agricultural materials.
• Land Clearing: Any activities involving burning for land clearing purposes are strictly forbidden.
• Recreational Fires: Campfires, bonfires, and other recreational fires are also prohibited. This includes even those in designated fire pits.

Violation of this burn ban can result in significant fines and potential legal consequences.

What Can Residents Do?

While the burn permit suspension is in effect, residents can take several steps to protect their homes and communities from wildfires:

• Create defensible space: Clear brush and flammable materials from around your home. Learn more about creating defensible space from .
• Check your equipment: Ensure that any equipment that could generate sparks (lawnmowers, chainsaws, etc.) is well-maintained and used safely.
• Stay informed: Monitor local news and weather reports for updates on fire danger and any changes to the burn suspension.
• Report any suspicious smoke or fire immediately: Call 911 to report any wildfire activity.

When Will the Suspension Be Lifted?

The burn permit suspension will remain in effect until significant rainfall and a reduction in fire danger allow for a safer environment. Cal Fire will announce the lifting of the suspension when conditions improve. Residents are urged to monitor official announcements from Cal Fire and their local fire departments for updates.

This emergency burn suspension underscores the critical importance of wildfire prevention and preparedness in Northern California. By following these guidelines and staying informed, we can all contribute to reducing the risk of devastating wildfires. Stay safe and vigilant.