🔥 The Do’s and Don’ts of Pile Burning for Property Owners in California

Richard Carvalho Homeowners Blog 13 October 2025

🔥 The Do’s and Don’ts of Pile Burning for Property Owners in California

When used correctly, pile burning is one of the most effective and affordable ways for California landowners to reduce excess vegetation, maintain defensible space, and prevent catastrophic wildfire. But pile burning still involves risk — and in California, it must be done with care, proper permitting, and professional guidance.

Whether you’re managing small debris piles or large forest fuels, following the right practices can make your project safer, cleaner, and legally compliant.

✅ The Do’s of Pile Burning

1. Obtain the Required Permits

Before you burn, always contact your local Cal Fire office and Air Pollution Control District.

You may need both a Burn Permit (PRC §4422) and a Smoke Management Permit (Title 17 CCR).
Burn only on designated “permissive burn days.”
Burning without the proper authorization can lead to fines and full liability for suppression costs.

2. Choose Safe Conditions

Only burn when weather and fuel moisture conditions are favorable.

Ideal: calm winds (below 5 mph), cool temperatures, and moderate humidity.
Avoid burning on Red Flag Warnings, during high winds, or extended drought periods.
Keep piles at least 10 feet from trees, fences, or structures.

3. Build Smart, Dry Piles

Use only natural vegetation—no trash, lumber, or treated materials.
Stack material loosely to allow air flow and complete combustion.
Keep piles about 4 ft x 4 ft unless larger burns are approved by Cal Fire.
Clear 10 feet of bare mineral soil around each pile.
Cover the top of each pile with a tarp or burn cover to keep it dry through the winter. Dry piles ignite faster, burn cleaner, and create far less smoke.

4. Always Monitor Your Burn

Keep a shovel, hose, and water source ready.
Stay present the entire time the pile is burning.
Stir and soak ashes when done—cold to the touch before leaving the site.

5. Notify Your Neighbors

Inform nearby residents and your local fire department before burning. It helps prevent false alarms and demonstrates your commitment to responsible fire use.

6. Work with a Certified Burn Boss (CARX)

Hiring or consulting with a California Certified Burn Boss (CARX) can make the process significantly safer and more defensible under the law.

A CARX professional:

Ensures compliance with Cal Fire and air district regulations.
Creates a site-specific burn plan that includes weather, safety, and contingency procedures.
Can make your project eligible for coverage under the California Prescribed Fire Claims Fund, which helps pay for suppression costs or damages if an approved burn escapes.
Operates under the gross negligence liability standard rather than strict liability, providing greater legal protection for the landowner.

In short — partnering with a Certified Burn Boss makes your pile burn safer, smarter, and legally protected.

❌ The Don’ts of Pile Burning

1. Don’t Burn Without a Permit
During fire season (typically May–October), burn suspensions are common. Burning without a valid permit can result in citations and full financial liability for suppression costs.

2. Don’t Burn on Windy or Hot Days
Even a small ember can travel hundreds of feet in dry conditions and start a wildfire.

3. Don’t Burn Wet Material or Trash
Wet fuel creates heavy smoke, while prohibited items like plastic, lumber, and garbage release toxic pollutants and violate state air quality laws.

4. Don’t Leave Smoldering Piles
Reignite risk is high in California’s dry climate. Always stir, soak, and check with your hand before leaving the site.

5. Don’t Ignore Smoke Impacts
Be mindful of sensitive neighbors, schools, or hospitals nearby. Poor smoke management can lead to complaints or violations under Title 17 Smoke Management Guidelines.

6. Don’t Assume You’re Automatically Covered
If a pile burn escapes and causes damage, you may be held liable unless your project was approved and led by a CARX or done under an official burn plan coordinated with Cal Fire.

🌲 Better Together: Safe Burning Through Partnerships

The Healthy Forest Alliance encourages landowners to work with local Fire Safe Councils, Resource Conservation Districts, and Prescribed Burn Associations (PBAs) to learn and apply safe pile burning techniques.

Our team can help you:

Obtain permits and coordinate with local agencies
Develop a compliant burn plan
Connect with Certified Burn Bosses (CARX) for professional oversight
Access equipment, training, and cost-share programs

💧 Good Fire Is Planned Fire

Pile burning is a valuable tool for fuel reduction and community protection — but only when done responsibly.

By following these Do’s and Don’ts, keeping your piles dry, and working with a Certified Burn Boss, you can safely reduce wildfire risk while protecting your property and community.

Learn More:

Visit our Prescribed Fire Planning page to learn about permits, CARX services, and community training opportunities:
👉 www.healthyforestalliance.org

Featured

Understanding the California Prescribed Fire Claims Fund: Protecting Landowners and Expanding Good Fire

Richard Carvalho Homeowners Blog 13 October 2025

🔥 Understanding the California Prescribed Fire Claims Fund: Protecting Landowners and Expanding Good Fire

California has taken a major step toward bringing back “good fire” to our landscapes — and reducing the risks of bad wildfire — through the creation of the California Prescribed Fire Claims Fund (PF-CF).

This groundbreaking program provides financial protection for landowners, burn bosses, and community partners who conduct prescribed burns safely and legally under an approved burn plan. It removes one of the biggest barriers to prescribed fire: fear of financial ruin if something goes wrong.

What Is the California Prescribed Fire Claims Fund?

The California Prescribed Fire Claims Fund was established by Senate Bill 926 (Dodd, 2022) and is administered by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire).

It acts as a state-backed insurance fund designed to cover suppression costs, property damage, or other losses that might result from a prescribed burn conducted under the supervision of a California Certified Burn Boss (CARX) and an approved burn plan.

In short: if your burn was properly permitted, led by a CARX, and conducted according to plan, the fund may reimburse or pay for eligible costs should the fire escape or cause damages.

Why the Claims Fund Matters

For decades, California landowners faced strict liability under Public Resources Code §4422, meaning that even with the best planning and intentions, they could be held automatically responsible for any damages or firefighting costs from a prescribed burn — no matter the circumstances.

The new Claims Fund changes that. By shifting the legal standard from strict liability to gross negligence and providing financial coverage, California is encouraging more responsible prescribed burning while keeping safety at the forefront.

How the Fund Works

To qualify for the California Prescribed Fire Claims Fund, a burn must meet several key criteria:

🔸 The project must have an approved burn plan that meets Cal Fire standards.
🔸 A California Certified Burn Boss (CARX) must be present and in charge of all operations.
🔸 The burn must comply with local air district smoke management and burn day authorization requirements.
🔸 The burn must be conducted within the approved prescription and parameters outlined in the plan.
🔸 Any damages, losses, or suppression costs must be promptly reported to Cal Fire for review.

If a prescribed burn conducted under these conditions causes unintended damage, the Claims Fund can pay eligible claims for fire suppression, property damage, or third-party losses.

Legal Foundation: PRC §4475–§4479.7

The Claims Fund is codified under California Public Resources Code §4479.5 and works in conjunction with the California Certified Burn Boss Program established under PRC §4477–§4479.7.

Together, these laws create a framework that encourages safe, professional prescribed fire — balancing responsibility with realistic protection for those who follow the rules.

They state that:

No person who conducts a burn in accordance with an approved burn plan and under the supervision of a Certified Burn Boss shall be liable for suppression costs or damages unless gross negligence is proven.

This means that only in cases of gross negligence — a severe departure from accepted professional standards — could a landowner or Burn Boss face liability. Otherwise, the Claims Fund steps in to cover costs.

What This Means for Landowners

The Prescribed Fire Claims Fund gives landowners the confidence to move forward with prescribed fire projects that were once considered too risky. When you hire a Certified Burn Boss and follow Cal Fire’s approval process:

✅ You’re protected from automatic liability
✅ You’re eligible for state-funded financial coverage
✅ You’re contributing to California’s wildfire resilience and ecological restoration goals

Prescribed burning under this framework helps communities reduce hazardous fuels, protect homes, and restore the health of forests and rangelands — safely, legally, and responsibly.

Healthy Forest Alliance Can Help

The Healthy Forest Alliance works with property owners, Prescribed Burn Associations, and partner organizations to develop burn plans, connect you with Certified Burn Bosses, and ensure your project meets all Claims Fund and CARX requirements.

Our mission is to make prescribed fire accessible, affordable, and safe for every community across California.

👉 Learn more about prescribed fire planning, permitting, and the California Prescribed Fire Claims Fund at:
www.healthyforestalliance.org/prescribed-fire-planning

Together, we can make Good Fire safer — and help California thrive again.

Introducing S‑112: A New Era in Entry‑Level Chainsaw Training

Richard Carvalho Homeowners Blog 27 July 2025

Introducing S‑112: A New Era in Entry‑Level Chainsaw Training 🚧

What Is S‑112?

Effective April 30, 2025, NWCG officially added S‑112, Introduction to Chainsaw Operations, to its official training catalog and IQCS system National Interagency Fire Center+13iqcsweb.nwcg.gov+13The Healthy Forest Alliance Foundation+13. This new course is a blended learning course—consisting of:

~4 hours online via the Wildland Fire Learning Portal
1 day of classroom instruction
2 days of hands‑on field training
It’s specifically designed as the entry‑level chainsaw operations course, targeted at personnel seeking the Basic Faller (FAL 3) qualification National Wildfire Coordinating Group+13fs-prod-nwcg.s3.us-gov-west-1.amazonaws.com+13sbbchidaho.org+13.

This aligns with the updated PMS 310‑1 qualification standards, which stipulate that FAL 3 training will now require S‑112 (instead of the previous S‑212 requirement), starting the year after the new course is certified iqcsweb.nwcg.gov+7fs-prod-nwcg.s3.us-gov-west-1.amazonaws.com+7fs-prod-nwcg.s3.us-gov-west-1.amazonaws.com+7.

Why the Change? A Shift Toward a Tiered Sawyer Curriculum

Previously, NWCG offered a single chainsaw course—S‑212 Wildland Fire Chainsaws—for the Basic Faller (FAL 3) position. But following the Brian Hughes fatality corrective action and recommendations from the Hazard Tree and Tree Felling Subcommittee, NWCG decided to restructure chainsaw training into a three‑level system:

S‑112: Introduction to Chainsaw Operations (Basic Faller / FAL 3)
S‑212: Intermediate Faller (FAL 2)
S‑312: Advanced Faller (FAL 1)
This framework improves training relevance, safety, and graduated complexity across qualification levels fs-prod-nwcg.s3.us-gov-west-1.amazonaws.com+8fs-prod-nwcg.s3.us-gov-west-1.amazonaws.com+8fs-prod-nwcg.s3.us-gov-west-1.amazonaws.com+8sbbchidaho.org.

What This Means for FAL 3 Certification

Training Requirement Revision

As of mid‑2025 and onward, individuals qualifying as Basic Faller (FAL 3) must complete S‑112, not S‑212, to meet NWCG certification standards.
S‑212 remains part of the path—but now required only for Intermediate Faller (FAL 2) and above National Wildfire Coordinating Group+13fs-prod-nwcg.s3.us-gov-west-1.amazonaws.com+13The Healthy Forest Alliance Foundation+13.

Alignment with the PMS 310‑1 Qualification Matrix

The NWCG PMS 310‑1 Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications will be updated to reflect this shift, with S‑112 replacing S‑212 as the FAL 3 training prerequisite.
S‑212 and S‑312 will become benchmarks for higher-level chainsaw roles (FAL 2 and FAL 1 respectively) in the updated qualification matrix www-nwcg.fs2c.usda.gov+9fs-prod-nwcg.s3.us-gov-west-1.amazonaws.com+9National Interagency Fire Center+9.

Course Structure & Content

S‑112 offers foundational awareness and practical training for tasks typically performed by Basic Fallers:

Safety protocols, personal protective equipment (PPE), and human factors
Bucking, limbing, brushing, slashing, and simple directional felling
Risk management, situational awareness, and LCES (Lookouts, Communication, Escape Routes, Safety Zones)

This course is built to comply with the new national chainsaw standards (PMS 212, March 2025), which emphasize interagency consistency and OSHA compliance fs-prod-nwcg.s3.us-gov-west-1.amazonaws.com+1fs-prod-nwcg.s3.us-gov-west-1.amazonaws.com+1U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service+2sbbchidaho.org+2The Healthy Forest Alliance Foundation+2.

Timeline & Rollout

Beta testing: Conducted in Florida (February 2024) and California (June 2024)
Final course edits and certification complete by early 2025
Course added to official catalog and IQCS effective April 30, 2025 sbbchidaho.org+1U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service+1iqcsweb.nwcg.gov
The updated PMS 310‑1 training matrix, once released, will reflect S‑112 as the required course for FAL 3 qualification—likely in the 2026 PMS 310‑1 revision cycle.

What This Means for You

✅ New trainees pursuing Basic Faller (FAL 3) certification after Spring 2025 will enroll in S‑112.

✅ Current qualification holders who already completed S‑212 and have active FAL 3 certification are not required to retake a different course—but new entries to the qualification track will follow the new S‑112 route.

✅ Agencies and training providers should update training plans, PTBs (Position Task Books), and study resources to support the new, tiered curriculum.

Summary

S‑112 represents a tiered, foundational entry point into chainsaw operations for Basic Fallers (FAL 3).
S‑212 and S‑312 now correspond to higher-level faller roles (FAL 2 and FAL 1).
The shift enhances safety, clarity, and standardization across agencies, aligning training with PMS 212 national chainsaw standards.
The official catalog and IQCS system make S‑112 available as of April 30, 2025, and the updated PMS 310‑1 qualification guidance is expected to follow shortly thereafter The Healthy Forest Alliance Foundation+9iqcsweb.nwcg.gov+9fs-prod-nwcg.s3.us-gov-west-1.amazonaws.com+9fs-prod-nwcg.s3.us-gov-west-1.amazonaws.com+6fs-prod-nwcg.s3.us-gov-west-1.amazonaws.com+6National Wildfire Coordinating Group+6National Interagency Fire Center+1sbbchidaho.org+1fs-prod-nwcg.s3.us-gov-west-1.amazonaws.com.

Final Thoughts

This new structure helps aspiring sawyers and training managers navigate chainsaw certification in a more logical, safety-first way. For Basic Faller certification starting mid‑2025 and beyond, S‑112 will be your required credential. Intermediate and advanced fallers will progress to S‑212 and S‑312 as their skill level and responsibilities increase. Agencies should begin onboarding the new course materials and updating task books accordingly.

Featured

Why Landowners Should Hire a California Certified Burn Boss for Prescribed Fire Projects

Richard Carvalho Homeowners Blog 13 October 2025

🔥 Why Landowners Should Hire a California Certified Burn Boss for Prescribed Fire Projects

Across California, more property owners are rediscovering the benefits of prescribed fire—the careful, intentional use of controlled burning to reduce wildfire risk, restore ecosystem health, and maintain resilient landscapes. Yet implementing a burn on private property involves navigating a complex web of laws, permits, and safety requirements.

That’s where a California Certified Burn Boss (CARX) comes in.

What Is a California Certified Burn Boss?

A Certified Burn Boss is a professional recognized by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) under Public Resources Code (PRC) §4477–§4479.7. Certified Burn Bosses are trained and authorized to plan, organize, and supervise prescribed burns that comply with state, federal, and local laws.

They must meet rigorous training and experience standards, often including NWCG Prescribed Fire Burn Boss Type 2 (RXB2) and Firing Boss (FIRB) qualifications. These professionals are also evaluated on their ability to develop approved burn plans, assess fire behavior, manage weather and smoke, and ensure the safety of personnel and property.

A CARX Burn Boss leads every step of the prescribed fire process—from planning and permitting through ignition and mop-up—while coordinating with Cal Fire, local air districts, and fire agencies to ensure total compliance and operational safety.

Key Laws and Regulations a CARX Helps You Navigate

Conducting a prescribed burn in California involves meeting multiple overlapping state and local requirements. A Certified Burn Boss ensures your project is fully compliant with all applicable rules and protected under California law, including:

🔸 California Public Resources Code (PRC) §4475–§4479.7 — Establishes the Certified Burn Boss Program, defines qualifications, and authorizes CARX professionals to conduct burns under approved plans.
🔸 California Health and Safety Code §41800–§41815 — Governs open burning and air quality requirements; CARX Burn Bosses coordinate with local Air Pollution Control Districts for smoke management plans and burn day approvals.
🔸 California Code of Regulations, Title 17, Subchapter 2 — Contains the Smoke Management Guidelines for Agricultural and Prescribed Burning, ensuring burns minimize smoke impacts and protect public health.
🔸 California Public Resources Code §4422 — Requires valid burn permits from Cal Fire or local authorities during declared fire season.
🔸 California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines §15304 — Allows many prescribed burns to qualify for habitat restoration or fuel-reduction CEQA exemptions when properly planned.
🔸 California Prescribed Fire Claims Fund (SB 926, 2022) — Provides financial coverage for damages or suppression costs associated with approved prescribed burns, further protecting landowners.

By hiring a CARX, landowners gain assurance that every step—from permitting to ignition—is handled by someone who understands both fire behavior and the law.

Liability Protection and Suppression Cost Laws

One of the most important reasons to work with a Certified Burn Boss is the legal protection they provide. California law recognizes that prescribed fire—when properly managed—is a public good. The California Legislature has modernized liability laws to support responsible burners and reduce financial fear among landowners.

1. Gross Negligence Standard (PRC §4476)

Under the California Certified Burn Boss Program, liability for suppression costs or damages from a prescribed burn only applies if gross negligence is proven.
That means a landowner or Burn Boss is not automatically liable for suppression expenses if a fire escapes, as long as the burn followed an approved plan and reasonable precautions were taken.

Gross negligence is defined as a severe lack of care or willful disregard for safety—not simple mistakes or unforeseen weather changes.

2. Suppression Cost Immunity (PRC §4477)

If the burn was planned and conducted under an approved Cal Fire Burn Plan, with a Certified Burn Boss present, the State cannot recover suppression costs unless gross negligence is established in court.

3. California Prescribed Fire Claims Fund (PRC §4479.5)

Created by Senate Bill 926 (Dodd, 2022), this fund provides financial assistance if a permitted prescribed fire causes unintended damages or requires suppression.
Eligible claims can cover both property damage and firefighting costs, offering an extra layer of protection to participating landowners and Certified Burn Bosses.

Together, these laws mark a major policy shift from strict liability to a reasonable standard of care, making it safer and more practical for Californians to reintroduce “good fire” to their lands.

Why Hire a Certified Burn Boss?

Working with a CARX is more than a legal safeguard—it’s an investment in safety, professionalism, and environmental health.

✅ Legal Protection: Your burn is covered by the gross negligence standard and may qualify for the California Prescribed Fire Claims Fund.
✅ Regulatory Compliance: The Burn Boss handles permitting, smoke management, notifications, and agency coordination.
✅ Safety and Training: CARX leaders are highly trained under NWCG and Cal Fire guidelines to manage complex operations safely.
✅ Risk Reduction: Prescribed fire reduces hazardous fuels, improves defensible space, and supports ecosystem restoration.
✅ Community Confidence: A Certified Burn Boss demonstrates a commitment to safety and professionalism, strengthening public trust in prescribed fire.

Partnering for Good Fire

The Healthy Forest Alliance works with landowners, Fire Safe Councils, and Prescribed Burn Associations throughout California to bring back good fire safely and responsibly.

Hiring a California Certified Burn Boss ensures your project meets the highest standards of safety, science, and law—protecting your property, your community, and the landscape we all share.

To learn more about planning a prescribed fire or connecting with a Certified Burn Boss in your area, visit:
👉 www.good-fire.org

Smoke Management Planning for Prescribed Fire: Ensuring Safety & Compliance

Richard Carvalho Homeowners Blog 12 February 2025

Smoke Management Planning for Prescribed Fire: Ensuring Safety & Compliance

Prescribed fire is an essential land management tool, but smoke management is just as important as fire control. Without proper planning, smoke from a controlled burn can impact air quality, visibility, and public health. That’s why a well-developed smoke management plan (SMP) is critical.

If you’re a landowner considering a prescribed burn, our team provides professional smoke management services to ensure compliance with air quality regulations, minimize public impact, and keep your burn running smoothly.

Why Smoke Management Planning is Essential

🔥 Reduces air quality impacts – Ensures smoke disperses safely without harming nearby communities.
🔥 Maintains regulatory compliance – Meets state and local air quality requirements to avoid fines or shutdowns.
🔥 Protects public health – Minimizes smoke exposure risks for residents, schools, and healthcare facilities.
🔥 Enhances burn efficiency – A well-managed burn reduces excessive smoldering and improves fire outcomes.
🔥 Prevents road and aviation hazards – Avoids reduced visibility that can affect highways and airports.

Key Components of a Smoke Management Plan (SMP)

A smoke management plan is required for most prescribed burns and includes:

1. Smoke Dispersion Modeling

We use meteorological data and predictive models to forecast how smoke will travel based on:
✅ Wind direction and speed
✅ Atmospheric stability (how well the air mixes)
✅ Temperature and humidity
✅ Fuel type and burn intensity

2. Identifying Smoke-Sensitive Areas

We analyze the surrounding landscape to minimize smoke impacts on:
🏥 Hospitals and nursing homes
🏫 Schools and daycare centers
🏘 Residential communities
🚗 Highways and transportation routes
🛩 Airports and flight paths

3. Burn Timing & Meteorological Considerations

Choosing the right burn window is essential for proper smoke dispersion. We help determine:
🔥 The best season, day, and time for burning
🔥 Atmospheric conditions that promote smoke lift and dispersion
🔥 How to adjust ignition techniques to control smoke output

4. Permitting & Regulatory Compliance

We assist with all necessary permits and agency coordination, including:
✅ CAL FIRE & Local Air Quality Boards – Ensuring the burn follows state and county regulations
✅ Smoke Management Permits – Obtaining required approvals for legal compliance
✅ Public Notifications – Alerting nearby residents and businesses in advance

5. Smoke Monitoring During the Burn

To ensure smoke stays within acceptable limits, we provide:
📡 Real-time air quality monitoring to track smoke behavior
🛰 Satellite and drone imagery for large-scale smoke movement tracking
🚨 Adjustments to ignition patterns if unexpected conditions arise

6. Post-Burn Evaluations

After the fire, we conduct:
✅ Air quality impact assessments to determine compliance
✅ Smoke drift analysis to improve future burns
✅ Public reports if needed for regulatory agencies

How We Can Help: Our Smoke Management Services

We provide comprehensive smoke management solutions for landowners, conservation groups, and agencies conducting prescribed burns.

🔥 Custom Smoke Management Plans – Tailored to your land and burn objectives
🔥 Permit Assistance – Navigating air quality regulations and securing approvals
🔥 Real-Time Smoke Monitoring – Tracking smoke levels for safety and compliance
🔥 Burn Timing & Weather Analysis – Choosing the best conditions for minimal smoke impact
🔥 Public & Agency Coordination – Notifying communities and emergency services

Let’s Make Your Burn Safe & Compliant!

Managing smoke effectively is key to a successful, legal, and low-impact prescribed burn. Whether you need a full smoke management plan or just expert guidance, we’re here to help.

🔥 Contact us today to schedule a consultation and ensure your prescribed burn is safe, effective, and compliant with air quality regulations! 🔥