Effective Tuesday, Oct. 23, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Calfire) Lassen-Modoc-Plumas Unit (LMU) lifted restrictions on dooryard debris burning. This means citizens may burn dooryard debris without a permit. Permits will not be required until May 1, 2013. However, citizens must still contact local Air Pollution Control District to ensure it’s a permissive burn day.

This summer brought devastating wildfires to Northern California. Though Calfire recognizes the need and convenience of being able to burn yard debris, they caution citizens to not let the cooler temperatures lull a false sense of security.

One or two warm days can cause fine fuels such as twigs, pine needles and grasses to be easily ignited. If a citizen must burn, use extreme caution. Never leave a fire unattended. If a debris burn escapes control, the citizen could be held liable.

On Monday, Oct. 29, LMU will begin releasing seasonal firefighters and cutting back on the number of fire engines staffed around the clock. They will still maintain and staff an appropriate level of fire response resources throughout the winter period until spring or until the potential for wildfire increases.