TO BURN OR NOT TO BURN
On January 1st, 2004, a new rule restricting backyard burning of household waste was put into effect by the California Air Resources Board.
If done properly, controlled burning can reduce your trash bill. If not done properly, open burning your trash can be dangerous and very toxic. For example, burning paper and plastic releases cancer-causing agents into the air for everyone to breathe. This is the reason there are guidelines you should follow when burning. Before burning, obtain a permit from your local fire district.
Permit applications can be obtained through the Air Quality Management District. You may also with to check the District Web site for available Permit Applications at: www.ncuaqmd.org
If you have further questions or to report illegal burning
Please call the Air Quality Management at (707) 443-3093
What to Burn:
Burn dried vegetation in piles.
Burn only on permissive burn days.
Cut vegetation must be dried at least fifteen days before burning.
Burn Barrels for paper, cardboard, and other household waste are now prohibited.
It Is Illegal And Dangerous To Burn The Following Materials:
Burning plastic, rubber and other non-approved materials will create a neighborhood nuisance and toxic contaminants such as: dioxins, furans, sulfur dioxide, hydrochloric acid, carbon monoxide, and a variety of other health hazards.
Plastic
Cardboard
Paper
Tires
Asphalt shingles
Cloth or upholstery
Tar paper
Vehicle parts Rubber
Linoleum
Carpeting
Diapers
Motor oil
Pressure treated wood
Creosote treated wood
Any Other Household Trash
Think Before You Burn
■ Think about the smoke you create. Don’t burn when prevailing winds will carry the smoke into your neighbors’ yards & homes. Build a dry, dirt-free, hot fire with plenty of air space and eliminate ash build up.
■ Make sure the GROUND IS CLEAN AND CLEAR of all flammable material around the burn pile for at least 10 feet.
■ A GARDEN HOSE should be kept near by and ready for use.
When the ash is dead cold (at least 14 days since the last burn), ash may be put in a plastic bag and disposed in your trash or at the Transfer Station, as ash may contain heavy metals which can pollute the environment.
For Local burning information contact your local Fire District.
■ CRESCENT FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT: 464-2421
■ FORT DICK FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT: 487-8185
■ GASQUET FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT: 457-3332
■ KLAMATH FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT: 482-3311
■ SMITH RIVER FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT: 487-5621