As of May 1, burn permits are now required in Humboldt, Trinity, and Mendocino counties—and much of California—as the state enters a drier, more fire-prone period.
Although CAL FIRE no longer refers to a set “fire season,” officials still mark early May as a key transition point when vegetation begins to dry and wildfire risk increases. Permits are required for burning vegetative debris within State Responsibility Areas (SRAs), which include many rural and wildland zones.
Burn permits take just minutes to obtain and are designed to prevent accidental wildfires by enforcing safety rules, requiring weather checks, and notifying fire agencies in advance. Unauthorized or uncontrolled burns can result in fines or liability.
A full burn ban is likely by June or July, depending on vegetation moisture and fire activity across the region.
This year’s heavy grass growth could worsen fire conditions, with dry grass acting as a fast-burning fuel that can carry flames into brush and timber. CAL FIRE is urging residents to complete fuel reduction projects early—while conditions still allow safe burning.
For more information or to apply for a permit, visit burnpermit.fire.ca.gov