Burn Permits (campfires, BBQ, piles)

Campfires and Barbecues

Among everyone’s favorite cabin activities—but thanks to fire risks, new policies require annual permits for campfires and BBQ’s! Note: this is not the same as a burn permit!

Who needs a Campfire and BBQ Permit?

YOU, if you want to have any source of fire outside your cabin. This includes a wood fire, BBQ or stove, both charcoal and propane.

CAL FIRE issues the required Campfire Permits (fires less than 2’ x 2’ x 2’) which are free and are valid for the year. (This is different from a debris burning permit, they are not the same.)

How do you get a current Campfire and BBQ Permit?

Just watch a 3 minute video- it’s easy! Here’s the link to apply: https://permit.preventwildfiresca.org

Burn Permits for Eldorado National Forest

Burn Permits: – New Procedure for Placerville, Pacific, and Amador Ranger Districts

In 2025 Cal Fire stopped issuing burn permits on federal land. As announced at the June 2025 NSSHA Annual Meeting, the new Forest Service plan is to add a burn permit as an addendum to our Operation and Maintenance plans. In the Placerville District a burn permit will be good for two years and will allow a 4’ X 4’ fire (which is different from a campfire permit) until county fire restrictions are imposed. Campfire and BBQ permits will be discussed in the upcoming newsletter and e-blast.

Note: NSSHA believes that the Pacific and Amador District burn permits will also be good for two years but has not confirmed that yet.

Here is the form

You can fill out the addendum form and email it to your district, email addresses listed below

Or deliver a hard copy to your Ranger Station in person. M – F 8am-4:30pm.

Placerville Ranger District – 530-647-5354 sm.fs.pvl-rec-res@usda.gov 4260 Eight Mile Road Camino, CA 9570
Pacific Ranger District – 530-647-5407 sm.fs.pac_rec_res@usda.gov 7887 Hiway 50 Pollock Pines, CA 95726

Amador Ranger District – 209-259-3774 sm.fs.AmaRecRes@usda.gov 26820 Silver Drive Pioneer, CA 9566

Fire restrictions usually go into effect in El Dorado County late spring or early summer – most often June through October – and lifted in November.

You must call the appropriate Burn Day number on the day you wish to burn to ensure it is a burn day.

El Dorado County (Pacific and Placerville Districts) – (530) 621-5897 or (866) 621-5897

Aamdor County – (209) 223-6246

Please read the addendum carefully and abide by the directions listed.