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1. Who is Eligible for a Burn Permit?

Permits from our office are ONLY for residents of Aptos/La Selva or Central Fire Protection Districts (Capitola, Live Oak, Soquel, Aptos, Rio del Mar or La Selva Beach). If you are not a resident of these Districts, please refer to your local fire department for information on how to obtain a burn permit for your address.

2. When is Burn Season?

The annual backyard burn season for burning vegetation typically runs from December 1st through April 30th each year (unless otherwise directed by the Monterey Bay Air Resource District or CA State Fire Marshal). Residents of one or two-family dwellings (who meet the requirements specified) must obtain a permit for backyard burning through the Community Risk Reduction Office, via our website. 

3. On Which Days is Burning Allowed?

Burning will be allowed on permissive "burn days" or "marginal burn days" only, as reported by the Monterey Bay Air Resources District. To check the burn status for the day, call the MBARD hotline at 1-800-CAL-BURN (225-2876), or visit the website at www.mbard.org. The burn status hotline will list separate zones for burn days - all permits issued for Central and Aptos/La Selva FPD's are listed in the "COASTAL" burn zone.

4. What's the Minimum Property Size for Backyard Burning?

There is a minimum size requirement of AT LEAST a half acre on residential properties to be considered for a backyard burn permit. The minimum clearance requirement around burn piles is 100', in compliance with current MBARD standards.

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1. How can you avoid carbon monoxide poisoning?

Install & Maintain Alarms

Install the alarms outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home, including the basement. This will warn you if the carbon monoxide (CO) level rises in any part of the house.

Ensure the alarms are installed properly and clear of dust and debris and have working batteries.

Make sure you have the alarm installed high up in your home. One placed near the floor will only detect the gas when it has almost completely filled the room. 

Additional Tips

Additional tips to help you avoid carbon monoxide poisoning include:

• Consider having your fuel-burning appliances inspected by a trained professional before every heating season. 
• Don't idle the car in the garage. Even a short period of time is enough to fill a small space with CO gas. 
• Never ignore the symptoms of dizziness, nausea, headaches and sudden tiredness.  If you are feeling them, you can lose consciousness and die. Get out of the house and into fresh air immediately and call 911.
• Never use a gas-powered engine or a charcoal grill indoors.

2. What is the best carbon monoxide alarm to use? Are there different kinds?

There is a variety of carbon monoxide alarms available on the market. Look for an alarm that has been Underwriters Laboratory (UL) listed and has a California State Fire Marshal’s listing. Regardless of manufacture, they all work the same and will provide the necessary protection for you and your family.

While deciding which alarm to purchase, you may find some designed to be plugged into a wall receptacle. These devices have been manufactured for the traveling public who want to have one with them while on the road. 

3. Where do I install my new carbon monoxide alarm?

With the exception of the traveling alarms, all carbon monoxide alarms are required to be permanently affixed to the structure. When installing your alarm, please follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer.

4. How often do carbon monoxide alarms need to be changed?

Carbon monoxide alarms are required to be replaced every 7 years. However, those that are battery powered, or have a battery back-up need to have their batteries changed at the same time that you change your smoke alarm batteries. To help remember when to change your batteries, remember the phrase “Change your clock, change your battery”, as these both need to be changed at about the same interval.

5. Where do I install smoke alarms?

Install smoke alarms in:

• Each level of your home, including the basement
• Every bedroom
• Hallways leading to the bedrooms

Smoke alarms should be mounted on the ceiling 4" from the wall, and wall mounts should be 4 to 12" from the ceiling. Do not install near draft areas (windows, vents).

Contact Us

You can call our Community Risk Reduction Division at 831-685-6690, ext. 115 if you are unsure about placement.

6. How often should I replace the batteries in my smoke alarm?

Smoke alarms with non-replaceable (long-life) batteries are designed to remain effective for up to 10 years. If the alarm chirps, warning that the battery is low, replace the entire smoke alarm right away. 

For smoke alarms with any other type of battery, replace batteries at least once a year. If the alarm chirps, replace only the battery.

7. What maintenance do my smoke alarms need?

Test your smoke alarm. A suggested frequency is every month by simply holding down the test button. Vacuum your alarm at least once a year, as dust and cobwebs can impair sensitivity. Never paint over a smoke alarm! Smoke alarms should be replaced every 10 years.