RECREATIONAL BURN PERMITS

RECREATIONAL FIRE PERMITS

The Mammoth Lakes Fire Protection District place certain restrictions, and in some cases requires a permit, on any open and outdoor burning activity.

Recreational Fires: An outdoor open fire burning clean materials other than rubbish where the fuel being burned is not contained in an incinerator, outdoor fireplace, portable outdoor fireplace, barbecue grill or barbecue pit, and has a total fuel area equal to or less than 3 feet in width, length or diameter and 2 feet in height for pleasure, religious, ceremonial, cooking, warmth or other, similar purposes. Recreational fires also include any campfire or fire ring.

Bonfires: An outdoor open fire having a total fuel area greater than 3 feet in width, length or diameter or 2 feet in height, and is used for pleasure, religious, ceremonial, cooking, warmth or other similar purposes.

Portable Outdoor Fireplaces: A portable, outdoor, solid-, liquid-, or gas fuel burning fireplace constructed of steel, concrete, clay or other non-combustible materials and specifically designed for the containment of fire. A portable outdoor fireplace may have an open design or may have a small hearth opening with a short chimney or opening in the top.

BBQ Pits and BBQ's: BARBECUE GRILL. (Also known as a barbeque or BBQ). A portable or fixed device, constructed of non-combustible material, for the primary purpose of cooking food over a liquefied petroleum-, natural gas-, wood- or charcoal-fueled fire. BARBECUE PIT. A trench or depression in the ground in which wood or other clean solid fuel is burned to produce a bed of hot coals for the sole purpose of cooking.

To apply for a permit scroll down towards the bottom of the page

RECREATIONAL FIRE PIT REQUIREMENTS

The Mammoth Lakes Fire Protection District has a more restrictive requirements than the California Fire Code.

EXEMPTIONS:

Propane-operated or Natural Gas appliances: that are UL or ASMI listed manufactured GAS (LPG or NG) outdoor flame devices, such as: Gas BBQs or Gas Fire-pits that comply with the Fire Code. Pellet-fed smokers.

Cooking/Recreational Fires: Fires in manufactured cooking devices do not require a permit. Cooking/Recreational fires in an open pit shall be prepared to provide an area that is free of materials that could allow the fire to spread. Fires shall not be larger than 3 feet by 3 feet by 2 feet and shall have a minimum separation of 25 feet to any structure of combustible material.

NON-COMPLIANCE

Unpermitted and burning during fire restrictions are subject to a citation. It is a federal offense punishable as a Class B misdemeanor by a fine of not more than $1,000 or imprisonment for not more than twelve (12) months or both. A citation for violating fire restrictions prompts a mandatory court appearance. Requirements for recreational fires shall be always followed, not following the requirements is also subject to a citation(Title 18 USC 1856, Title 43 9212.4, and/or appropriate State laws .

If violating a fire restriction order results in a wildfire or structure fire, the violator will be liable for any and all suppression costs resulting from the wildfire to the property and resources. Criminal charges may also be imposed

General Fire Requirements

All fires must be located and conducted in a manner which does not present a hazard. The Mammoth Lakes Fire Protection District will require any fire be extinguished if a hazardous condition exists (such as flames are too high, the wind is blowing embers, extremely low humidity, etc.), or if the fire produces excessive, offensive or objectionable smoke. BE REASONABLE AND USE GOOD JUDGMENT.

Recreational fires outside of approved campgrounds are prohibited without the approval and permit from the fire code official, following the submission, review and approval of a permit application and a site inspection.

All fire rings shall be constructed of stainless metal ,brick, or concrete no wider than three (3) feet in diameter and no higher than two (2) feet, located a minimum of twenty-five (25) feet from a structure or combustible materials including decks.

The fire ring shall have a screened cover with mesh screening no greater than one-half of an inch in size and large enough to cover the entire ring or structure used for burning.

All fires must be attended by a homeowner at all times until extinguished. A method of extinguishment, such as a fire extinguisher, water supply (hose, water barrel, water truck, etc.) or dirt and shovel, shall be immediately available while conducting any fires.

Recreational fire permits shall be effective only for the year of issuance, ending on December 31 of the year of issuance, and may be suspended due to fire danger or by the discretion of the fire official.

Recreational fires are permitted at private residences during the year, and during stage I fire restrictions when allowed In designated campsites. Recreational fires are prohibited in Stage 2 fire restrictions, no bum days, red flag warnings, high wind warnings, or "very high" or "extreme" fire danger days.

RESPONSIBILITY

THE PERMIT HOLDER ASSUMES RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY AND ALL PROPERTY DAMAGE, PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH, AND COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE SUPPRESSION OF A FIRE THAT EXTENDS OUT OF AND AWAY FROM THE APPROVED BURN PERMIT SITE.

It is the permit holder's responsibility to ensure that conditions are in accordance with applicable State and Local fire regulations.