Burning permits will be required through the close of the 2007 Fire Season which is planned for December 3, 2007, in the Tuolumne-Calaveras Unit. You must follow the terms of your permit. Never burn during high winds. Limit burn piles to four feet in diameter. Remove all flammable material and vegetation from the area within 10 feet of the outer edge of the pile. A responsible person must be in attendance with a shovel and water until the fire is completely out. Burn only clean, dry vegetative material. Do not burn household or commercial trash, tires, plastic or other garbage. Avoid burning piles of pine needles, which smolder and often spread dense smoke over entire neighborhoods. 

Leave pine needles on the ground for erosion control over the winter or burn them with other dry vegetation. Fire season is still in effect, and the potential for damaging fire remains.  Tuolumne-Calaveras Unit Chief Mike Noonan adds this caution when burning outdoors. “Even though the danger is much less, a fire can still escape. It is critical that the person conducting the burn keep close watch on the fire at all times. If the fire gets away, that person can be held liable for the damage and suppression costs.” A burn permit is required annually from the Air Pollution Control Districts in some areas. Check with the Calaveras County Air Pollution Control District by phoning 754-6600.