LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — The annual burn ban in Lake County starts on Thursday, May 1, to address concerns over both fire hazard and air quality.

The burn restriction applies to all areas in Lake County.

All burn permits expire on April 30.

The burn ban includes all open green waste burning, though exemptions are possible for agricultural operations, essential control burns for fire hazard reduction projects and public safety burns.

The annual burn ban was first implemented in 1986 in response to weather conditions that often create extreme fire danger and poor air quality.

A managed approach incorporating fire and air agency concerns has been implemented and improved upon for many years.

The ban allows a quick fire agency response to all fires observed from May 1 on, as all fires are assumed to be uncontrolled unless specifically authorized by an exemption permit and have been cleared for fire safety.

This successful program is one of the primary reasons Lake County has superior and healthful air quality.

The requirements to obtain an exemption permit to burn after May 1 can be found at www.lcaqmd.net. Please email a complete exemption request form to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for consideration.

Burning during the ban without an exemption permit is a violation and may be subject to citation, fines, and suppression costs to extinguish the fire.

“Please help us reduce the danger and losses caused by uncontrolled fires, and protect our clean air,” the Lake County Air Quality Management District said in a Wednesday statement. “Public cooperation is greatly appreciated and results in a safer and more healthful environment for us all.”