Burn Permits Needed Starting This Week

Published Apr 28, 2026 5:50 pm : Updated Apr 28, 2026 6:30 pm

CAL Fire TCU burn permits required on May 1st flyer

Sonora, CA – Two more days to burn yard waste in the CAL Fire Tuolumne-Calaveras Unit without a permit.

Each year, on May 1st at 8 a.m., the public must get a new burn permit to ignite their green waste piles after that date. This year it falls on a Friday. Those still needing to burn can get a permit online by clicking here. The Air Pollution Control District designates burn days. That information can be found on mymotherlode.com’s home page by looking for the “Burn Day Box” near the top for Tuolumne and Calaveras counties, which is updated daily. The public can also call (Tuolumne County: (209) 533-5598; Calaveras County: (209) 754-6600) and listen to a recorded message.

CAL Fire reminds the public of pile rules:

• Is no larger than 4 feet by 4 feet by 4 feet in size
• Has 10 feet of bare earth clearance all the way around it
• Adequate water and tools nearby
• An adult is in attendance at all times.

CAL Fire added that burn permits will be available on or after May 1st. Violating the rules is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine, jail, or both.