It’s that time of year again — the mornings are crisp, the air smells faintly of pine and woodsmoke, and we all start eyeing those burn piles that have been patiently waiting all summer. As of October 17, 2025, CAL FIRE officially lifted the residential burn permit suspension for Nevada, Yuba, Placer, and Sierra counties, which means burning is once again allowed — with a few important conditions.

So before you grab the matches, here’s what you need to know about the new burn rules, permits, and how to stay on the right side of safety (and the law).

The Ban Is Lifted — But Burning Isn’t a Free-for-All

According to CAL FIRE Nevada-Yuba-Placer Unit, burn permits are now valid again as long as it’s a permissive burn day. You’ll need to double-check each morning before lighting up, because burn days are determined daily by air quality conditions — and yes, they can change fast.

You can check current status right here:
Northern Sierra Air Quality Management District Burn Day Status

You Still Need a Valid Burn Permit

Even with the ban lifted, permits aren’t optional. If you’re doing residential hazard reduction or agricultural burning, you’ll need an active burn permit — available through CAL FIRE or Nevada County Environmental Health.

You can apply or renew your permit at:
Nevada County Burn Permit Portal

Remember: permits must be on-site when burning, and you’re required to have water, hand tools, and someone in attendance at all times.

Where You Still Can’t Burn

Even with the green light from CAL FIRE, open burning is prohibited inside city limits — that includes Grass Valley, Nevada City, and Truckee. Those areas maintain year-round bans due to higher density, fire risk, and local ordinances.

If you’re unsure whether your property falls inside a restricted area, check your address with your local fire district before lighting up.

Controlled burning plays a big role in reducing fuel loads, protecting homes, and supporting wildfire prevention efforts — especially in the foothills. After a long, dry summer, lifting the ban gives residents a safe window to manage defensible space and clear out brush responsibly.

But “responsibly” is the key word here. It only takes one windy day and a little negligence to turn cleanup into catastrophe. So, plan it right, watch the weather, and burn smart.

This shift is a welcome sign that fire season is easing up — but it’s also a reminder of the delicate balance we live with in Nevada County. So take advantage of the open window, do your part for fire safety, and keep that small-town courtesy alive by letting your neighbors know before you burn.