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

Nevada County Code Section 14.05.090 allows residential open burning of material originating from the dwelling's premises: without a permit only during periods CAL FIRE proclaims fire danger low enough, and otherwise only with a CAL FIRE-issued burn permit, never on days CAL FIRE determines unsafe or the Northern Sierra Air Quality Management District determines unhealthy. Recreational fires (campfire-style fires for warmth or cooking) are handled as an exception under Section 14.05.130 and must comply with California Fire Code Section 307.4.2, which requires clearance from combustibles and constant attendance. In the South Yuba River corridor -- the lower 39-mile stretch from Lang Crossing to Kentucky Creek within a quarter mile of each side of the river -- Section 4.06.020 prohibits all outdoor burning on private property from the start to the end of CAL FIRE-declared fire season, with narrow exceptions for fires in permanent pedestal grills and fire rings at organized campgrounds, enclosed stoves/grills/barbecues on improved parcels with water within 30 feet, and permanent fire rings no larger than 5 feet in diameter located at least 25 feet from combustible structures with an owner or resident present.