Outdoor Burning: Sonora vs Twain Harte
How do outdoor burning rules compare between Sonora, CA and Twain Harte, CA?
Sonora and Twain Harte have similar restriction levels.
Sonora, CA
Tuolumne County
Open burning within Sonora is regulated under Municipal Code Chapter 8.32 (Unlawful Open Burning, Ordinance 828). A burn permit is required from the Sonora Fire Department at $60 per year including a site inspection. Burning is only allowed on APCD permissive burn days.
View full Sonora rules →Twain Harte, CA
Tuolumne County
Open burning of yard debris in Twain Harte requires a Cal Fire LE-5 burn permit, must occur on declared permissive burn days, and is suspended entirely during fire season. Tuolumne County Air Pollution Control rules also apply.
View full Twain Harte rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Sonora | Twain Harte |
|---|---|---|
| Permit Fee | $60/year from Sonora Fire Dept | - |
| Code | SMC Ch. 8.32 (Ordinance 828) | - |
| Burn Day Line | APCD — 209-533-5598 | - |
| Fire Dept | 201 S. Shepherd St — 209-532-7431 | - |
| Burn Barrels | Prohibited statewide | - |
| Pile Size | 4 ft or less diameter | - |
| Permit | - | Free Cal Fire LE-5 |
| Burn day | - | APCD daily call |
| Fire season | - | Burning suspended |
| Trash burn | - | Always illegal |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Sonora FAQ
How do I get a burn permit in Sonora?
Burn permits are $60 per year from the Sonora Fire Department at 201 S. Shepherd Street. The permit includes a site inspection. Call 209-532-7431.
How do I know if it is a permissive burn day in Sonora?
Call the Tuolumne County APCD Burn Line at 209-533-5598 for daily burn status. Only burn on declared permissive days.
Can I use a burn barrel in Sonora?
No. Burn barrels are prohibited statewide in California.
Twain Harte FAQ
Can I burn pine needles in my yard?
Only with a Cal Fire permit, on a permissive burn day, outside fire season, with water and a person attending the pile until cold.
What about a small backyard burn pile in summer?
No. Cal Fire suspends residential debris burning during fire season. Wait for the suspension to lift in fall or winter.
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