What is the difference between pile burns and broadcast or understory prescribed burns? 

Pile burns are where forest debris is piled and burned in a small area. For a valid CAL FIRE residential burn permit, this means a 4x4 foot pile surrounded by a cleared area (link to permit). A broadcast or understory burn is a low intensity fire that spreads across and area that is surrounded by a “control line”.

Is it legal to burn in the city limits of Grass Valley and Nevada City?  

NO.

What kind of permits will I need? 

Always go to CAL FIRE or your local fire district (like Truckee Fire District) and see if you need a permit. Sometimes of the year you need a permit, other times, it is open burning. You’ll usually need a permit in the fall and spring. In between, as the fire agencies determine, there is an open burning season. CAL FIRE sets a burn ban during wildfire season. This usually begins in June and ends sometime in the fall after sufficient rain.

CAL FIRE General and Broadcast Burn Permit

You may also need a permit from the Northern Sierra Air Quality Management District (NSAQMD) if you are burning more than one acre.

What tools and resources do I need for a small ¼ acre burn on my property?

You need a water source, like hoses and a nozzle, to reach the far side of the burn. Tools to create a control line, a cleared area down to bare mineral soil around the entire burn. This can include rakes, shovels, hoes,  or McLeods.  Enough people to be able to put the fire out quick if you need to. While you are burning, you need to wear basic safety gear and fire resistant clothing. Natural fiber clothes like wool, cotton, linen or hemp that won’t melt on your skin. Eye protection, like sunglasses or safety glasses to keep embers out of your eyes or branches. Leather gloves. Its best to have leather boots with Vibram soles that are less likely to melt but any sturdy closed toed shoe will work. You may want a mask or bandana to cover your face if it gets too smoky. Water and snacks on hand, because you CANNOT walk away from fire while it is burning.