Siskiyou County, CA Fire Regulations: Outdoor Burning (2026)

All agricultural and non-agricultural open burning in unincorporated Siskiyou County requires a valid burn permit and prior authorization before ignition. Jurisdiction splits by season: CAL FIRE (Siskiyou Unit) issues residential burn permits during fire season (beginning May 1), while the Siskiyou County Air Pollution Control District (APCD) issues permits during the non-fire season. Non-agricultural burning is defined by the APCD to include disposal of non-industrial wood waste from property-development activity, fire-hazard reduction, and weed eradication. Residents may only burn dry natural vegetation that originated on the property — leaves, pine needles, and tree trimmings. Prohibited materials include household garbage, petroleum products, construction and demolition debris, tires, tar, rubber, plastics, treated wood, paper and cardboard, metal, appliances, and similar wastes that produce excessive smoke or odors. Material must be reasonably free of dirt and excess moisture. Burn piles are limited in size with bare-soil clearance maintained around them. Burning is allowed only on designated burn days, within burn hours of one hour after sunrise until sunset, and never in windy conditions. During peak fire season CAL FIRE often suspends residential burning entirely. The APCD office is at 525 South Foothill Drive, Yreka, and can be reached at 530-841-4025.