Amador County, CA Fire Regulations: Backyard Fires (2026)

Amador County is dominated by State Responsibility Area with High and Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones, so backyard burning is closely regulated. Before any open fire, residents must call the Amador County Air District burn-day line at (209) 223-6246 to confirm it is a permissive burn day under Air District Rule 303. From May 1 each year, CAL FIRE's Amador-El Dorado Unit also requires a residential burn permit — free at burnpermit.fire.ca.gov — and routinely suspends all residential burning during peak fire season; during a suspension, backyard debris fires are not allowed. When burning is permitted, only dry, natural vegetation that originated on the property may be burned — no household garbage, trash, or other materials. Burn barrels are illegal in Amador and El Dorado counties. Each burn pile must have a 10-foot clearance down to bare mineral soil in all directions, be no larger than 4 feet in diameter, have a shovel and a water source available, and be attended by an adult at all times. Amador County Code Chapter 7.32 reinforces these requirements, including clearing within 5 feet of a campfire and keeping a serviceable shovel on hand. Recreational backyard fires (fire pits, chimineas) are subject to the same burn-day and suspension rules.