Be aware of the impact your smoke may have on neighbors or businesses. Build burn piles loosely to promote drying and burning with a minimum of smoke. Cover unburned needles and leaves to keep them dry, and rake or turn regularly when burning to allow air to circulate into the pile, for cleaner combustion. Burn in small quantities, have the fire out as soon as possible, and do not let your fire smolder overnight. Don't burn following a storm if leaves and needles are wet.
Wet fuels contribute much greater amounts of pollution than do dry fuels.
Wait at least 5 days after a rain storm before burning, and cease burning if moderate or heavy smoke results. During Fire Season, you must have a burn permit from the California Department of Forestry or your Fire Department. Contact them for their specific requirements for open burning. Our air quality is your responsibility - consider chipping, shredding, and composting yard wastes. Recycle newspapers, paper, cardboard boxes.