LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Thanks to recent rains, the annual Lake County burn ban is being lifted.

The Lake County Air Quality Management District said the ban will be lifted as of 8 a.m. Monday, Dec. 21.

The ban is being lifted with Cal Fire’s determination that wildfire risk has been significantly reduced by the recent rains.

Burn permits are required for all outdoor burning in the Lake County Air Basin.

Burn permits are available at your local fire protection district. A smoke management plan is required for all multi-day burns, standing vegetation burns, whole tree or vine removals over one acre, burns over 20 acres in size, and any other burns where significant smoke impacts may occur or sensitive receptors may be impacted.

Smoke management plans can be obtained at the Lake County Air Quality Management District office most weekdays, call first to make an appointment at 707-263-7000.

Bring a map showing the burn locations, acres to be burned, and details of materials to be burned. A fee is required for all burn permits, payable at the time the permit is issued. Smoke management plans, agricultural burn permits and residential burn permits are $28, while land development/lot clearing burn permits are $84, cash or check only (exact change is appreciated).

Only clean dry vegetation that was grown on the property may be burned. Residential burn permits require a one-acre or larger lot of record, a burn location that is located at least 100 feet from all neighbors and at least 30 feet from any structure.

Lot clearing/land development burns require special permits available at your local fire protection district. Burn only the amount of material that can be completely consumed during burn hours. Read your burn permit carefully and follow all the conditions.

Consider using the vegetative waste pickup provided with your waste collection services or composting as an alternative to burning leaves. Please be considerate of your neighbors.

A permit does not allow you to create health problems for others. You can be liable for health care costs, fines, and other costs resulting from your burning.

Lake County’s joint fire agencies and Air Quality Management District’s open burning program has incorporated both fire safety and air quality management since 1987.