Yes — a burn pile may be allowed on a residential property in Tahoe Donner, but only under very specific conditions and only during the permitted debris-burning season. It is not something residents can do whenever they choose.
Additionally, NO Open Fires during Burn Ban periods. Typically June-November each year.
- Supported by local HOAs, Town of Truckee, County Ordinance, Regional Fire Chiefs, and Cal Fire.
- Truckee Fire District has experienced a number of escaped fires caused by improper charcoal ash disposal and campfires.
ESCAPED CAMPFIRES ARE THE MOST PREVENTABLE HUMAN CAUSED FIRES IN OUR AREA!
According to Tahoe Donner’s current Fire Safety & Debris Burning information:
- A residential burn permit is required from either Truckee Fire Protection District or CAL FIRE.
- Burning is permitted only after the local CAL FIRE Unit Chief lifts the burn ban and only through March 31 of the following year. Debris burning is not allowed during the spring/summer period.
- Before burning, residents must call the Northern Sierra Air Quality Management District at (530) 582-1027 to confirm it is a permissible burn day.
- The burn pile can be no larger than 4 feet in diameter.
- There must be a 10-foot area around the pile that is completely clear of flammable material and vegetation.
- Someone must remain with the fire and have a shovel available until the fire is completely extinguished.
- An adequate water supply must be available at the burning site.
- Burning is not permitted when weather conditions, particularly wind, make it unsafe.
- Open burning and recreational fires may also be prohibited during high-fire conditions, even if other requirements would otherwise be met.