UPDATED: OCTOBER 14, 2020

Dear CFPD Residents,

The Lake County Board recently voted to amend a temporary emergency ordinance that allows open burning on all properties in unincorporated Lake County from sunrise to sunset only on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. The ordinance also allows open burning from sunrise to sunset on any day of the week if the burning occurs at least 500 feet from the nearest habitable structure. The ordinance is effective through Dec. 31, 2020. 

Recreational fires that are no larger than 3’ x 3’ x 3’ used for warming, cooking, and other recreational purposes are still permitted on all days of the week. Burning garbage, refuse, or construction materials remains prohibited.

For the other towns we cover please refer to the open burning requirements from our attached brochure as they are able to follow those requirements again. Click here to download copy of brochure.

WHY WAS THE ORDINANCE PUT IN PLACE?

An emergency ordinance had previously been in effect that temporarily banned open burning in the unincorporated areas at all times and on all days of the week due to COVID-19. In recognition of the upcoming landscape maintenance season as leaves begin to fall, Lake County is temporarily permitting open burning on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from sunrise to sunset. 

Exposure to smoke from open burning can increase serious health consequences during the COVID-19 pandemic in both people who have existing respiratory conditions and those who don’t. People who contract COVID-19 are more likely to develop more severe symptoms and/or serious complications due to smoke exposure.

WHAT IS PERMITTED:

Residents will be permitted to use the following manufactured portable outdoor devices if used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. They are as follows:

  • Portable outdoor fireplaces or in-ground fire pit (you can burn firewood–no leaves or twigs/yard waste as long as we are in burn ban).
  • Barbecue Grills (gas, charcoal or electric grills)
  • Patio warmers

In addition, small recreational “campfires” using seasoned firewood in an approved fire pit as long as it does not create nuisance smoke that is bothersome to neighbors and safety practices continue to be used.