Section 4291 of the California Public Resources Code (PRC 4291) requires the removal of vegetation that could transmit fire from the natural growth to a building or structure. The purpose is to maintain properties within the State Responsibility Area in a fire safe condition by providing a defensible area should a wildfire occur.
Per this regulation, Local Fire Agencies require:
PRC 4291 DOES NOT REQUIRE that the vegetation be disposed of by open burning. Therefore, the District strongly encourages the public to first consider the alternatives to open burning, especially if the proposed site is in or near sensitive populated areas. Please consider these alternatives:
Although open burning is generally prohibited, District Rule 4106 (Prescribed Burning and Hazard Reduction Burning) allows the open burning of flammable vegetation that has been removed and cleared away from buildings or structures in compliance with local ordinances to reduce fire hazard pursuant to PRC 4291. Hazard Reduction Burning is only permitted in the State Responsibility Area, which does NOT include most areas on the valley floor. Such burns must abide by the requirements of District Rule 4106 and the Guidelines for Hazard Reduction Burning, including obtaining a burn permit and observing daily burn declarations.
