In a little over two weeks after the pile burn suspension was lifted in Nevada County, in mid-November, at least seven required fire department action, according to county officials. Office of Emergency Services Administrative Analyst, Jenn Tamo, says at least some of those occurred when it was not a permissive burn day. And even if it’s a legal burn, make sure it’s a manageable size…

Also, maintain a 10 foot diameter free of flammables and burn on dirt that’s free of vegetation. Tamo says residents should always have an effective water source nearby…

And as residents wisely use cooler and usually wetter months to make their properties more resilient to wildfire, Tamo also urges you to burn between 9am and 3pm for maximum smoke dispersion and to reduce impacts on neighbors. Also, don’t burn live vegetation that creates too much smoke.