Backyard Fires: Sutter vs Yuba City
How do backyard fires rules compare between Sutter, CA and Yuba City, CA?
Sutter and Yuba City have similar restriction levels.
Sutter, CA
Sutter County
Residents of unincorporated Sutter County may burn dry vegetation grown on their own property on designated residential burn days (Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday, when permissive) between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Burn barrels are banned, fires must stay at least 25 feet from occupied dwellings with a 10-foot clearance, and a responsible adult must attend the fire at all times.
View full Sutter rules →Yuba City, CA
Sutter County
Residents of unincorporated Sutter County may burn dry vegetation grown on their own property on designated residential burn days (Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday, when permissive) between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Burn barrels are banned, fires must stay at least 25 feet from occupied dwellings with a 10-foot clearance, and a responsible adult must attend the fire at all times.
View full Yuba City rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Sutter | Yuba City |
|---|---|---|
| Burn days | Monday, Wednesday, Saturday (when designated permissive) | Monday, Wednesday, Saturday (when designated permissive) |
| Burn hours | 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; no new material after 3:00 p.m. | 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; no new material after 3:00 p.m. |
| Burn barrels | Prohibited - all burning must be in an open pile | Prohibited - all burning must be in an open pile |
| Clearances | 25 ft from occupied dwellings; 10 ft cleared around burn area | 25 ft from occupied dwellings; 10 ft cleared around burn area |
| Allowed material | Only dry vegetation grown on the property being burned | Only dry vegetation grown on the property being burned |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Sutter FAQ
Can I use a burn barrel in unincorporated Sutter County?
No. Since 2004, District and state law prohibit any burning in a burn barrel or incinerator. All residential burning must be done in an open pile; the District recommends an open 4-foot by 4-foot pile.
What can I legally burn in my backyard?
Only dry tree trimmings, leaves, pine needles, plants, and other dry vegetative material grown on the property where you are burning. Burning household garbage, paper, cardboard, lumber, plastics, furniture, tires, or material brought from another property or business is illegal.
Do the same rules apply near the Sutter Buttes?
Properties in CAL FIRE/USFS jurisdiction, including Sutter Buttes locations in Burn Zone 7, face seasonal burn bans and alternate burn hours, and residents there must burn under a permit issued by the designated agency. Check the FRAQMD Burn Day Status page and obtain a CAL FIRE permit at burnpermit.fire.ca.gov before burning.
Yuba City FAQ
Can I use a burn barrel in unincorporated Sutter County?
No. Since 2004, District and state law prohibit any burning in a burn barrel or incinerator. All residential burning must be done in an open pile; the District recommends an open 4-foot by 4-foot pile.
What can I legally burn in my backyard?
Only dry tree trimmings, leaves, pine needles, plants, and other dry vegetative material grown on the property where you are burning. Burning household garbage, paper, cardboard, lumber, plastics, furniture, tires, or material brought from another property or business is illegal.
Do the same rules apply near the Sutter Buttes?
Properties in CAL FIRE/USFS jurisdiction, including Sutter Buttes locations in Burn Zone 7, face seasonal burn bans and alternate burn hours, and residents there must burn under a permit issued by the designated agency. Check the FRAQMD Burn Day Status page and obtain a CAL FIRE permit at burnpermit.fire.ca.gov before burning.
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