Prevent Smoky Burns and Preserve Air Quality

**BAAQMD permits open burning beginning October 1, however, CALFIRE can extend burning restrictions beyond this date. Best practices encourage waiting until after harvest and the rainy season to preserve local air quality and protect grapes.**

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NVG's Low-Smoke Burning Technique & Other Alternatives
Permitted burn season runs from October through April. One of the easiest and most cost-effective alternatives to smoky burns for growers to implement is NVG’s Low-Smoke Ag Burning Technique. Use NVG's step-by-step manual available in English and Spanish to reduce black carbon, preserve air quality, and conduct virtually smoke-free burns!

Burning is an essential practice with no alternative when it comes to preventing the spread of vine pests and diseases. In addition to NVG's Low-Smoke Burning Technique, the use of fire box burners can also deliver a clean burn. For vines not compromised due to pest and disease issues, other alternative methods include chipping and grinding.

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​NVG's Vine Disposal & Open Burning Resources
NVG’s Low-Smoke Ag Burning Manuals and Task Force Webpage
 
Open Burning & Vine Disposal Requirements & Best Practices
 
Alternatives to Traditional Agricultural Biomass Burning in Napa Valley (2018), Daniela Bazán, Master of Science in Environmental Management
 
Cleaner Burns Archives - Napa Communities Firewise Foundation (napafirewise.org)

​Napa County Agricultural Commissioner Burn Permit Information
 
BAAQMD Regulations
 
BAAQMD'S 'Spare the Air' Status
 
Learn about BAAQMD’s Free Chipping Services