8 rules for unincorporated Lassen County, California.
Verified from official government sources
Backyard fire pits and open burn piles in unincorporated Lassen County require a free CAL FIRE burn permit (obtained at burnpermit.fire.ca.gov) and may only be used on permissive burn days set by the Lassen County Air Pollution Control District. CAL FIRE rules require a 10-foot clearance to bare mineral soil around any burn pile, a shovel and water source on hand, and an adult present at all times.
In the unincorporated areas of Lassen County, all fireworks are illegal — including California-approved 'safe and sane' fireworks. CAL FIRE confirms that 'safe and sane' fireworks are only permitted inside the Susanville city limits; everywhere else in the county they are banned. Illegal fireworks possession can bring fines up to $50,000 and up to a year in jail, plus liability for any fire started.
Because most of Lassen County is State Responsibility Area in High and Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones, property owners must maintain 100 feet of defensible space around structures under California Public Resources Code 4291. CAL FIRE's Lassen-Modoc Unit enforces the requirement. The 100 feet is split into Zone 0 (0-5 ft), Zone 1 (5-30 ft), and Zone 2 (30-100 ft), each with specific clearance standards.
Open/outdoor burning in unincorporated Lassen County requires a free CAL FIRE burn permit and is only allowed on permissive burn days set by the Lassen County Air Pollution Control District. Only natural vegetative material (leaves, pine needles, tree trimmings) may be burned — household garbage and burn barrels are prohibited unless specifically authorized. CAL FIRE suspends all residential burning during high fire danger.
Most of Lassen County is State Responsibility Area with High and Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones, classified by the State Fire Marshal under Public Resources Code 4201-4204 and protected by CAL FIRE's Lassen-Modoc Unit. The county has severe wildfire history — the 2021 Dixie Fire (963,309 acres across five counties including Lassen) and the 2020 Sheep Fire (~29,570 acres in Lassen and Plumas). Owners in these zones must meet PRC 4291 defensible space.
Lassen County does not publish a separate countywide smoke-alarm ordinance; instead, smoke and carbon-monoxide alarm requirements come from California state law and the California Residential/Building Codes, which the county enforces through its Planning and Building Services Department. State law requires working smoke alarms in all dwelling units and carbon-monoxide alarms in homes with fuel-burning appliances, fireplaces, or attached garages.
Recreational and backyard fires in unincorporated Lassen County are treated as open burning: they need a free CAL FIRE burn permit, are only allowed on permissive burn days set by the Lassen County APCD, and must use only natural vegetation. CAL FIRE requires a 10-foot cleared area to bare mineral soil, a shovel and water source, and an adult present. All burning can be suspended during high fire danger.
Lassen County does not publish a separate countywide propane-storage ordinance; propane (LP-gas) storage and tank installation are governed by the California Fire Code and California Mechanical/Plumbing Codes (which incorporate NFPA 58, the Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code) and enforced locally by Lassen County Planning and Building Services and CAL FIRE. These set clearances, permit requirements, and installation standards for tanks based on size.
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