Board approves first reading of county fire ordinance aimed at 'gray‑area' fires; staff say residential burning not targeted

The El Dorado County Board of Supervisors on Feb. 10 approved introduction and first reading of a sheriff‑sponsored ordinance that would add Title 8, Chapter 8.07 to the county code to prohibit unauthorized ignition or maintenance of fires in public and some private contexts.

Lieutenant Jason Bloxam of the sheriff’s office said the ordinance is intended as a narrow “catchall” to give deputies immediate enforcement authority in gray‑area situations — for example, unlawful warming or cooking fires on sidewalks or other public thoroughfares — and to address documented incidents involving people living outdoors. He repeatedly told the board the ordinance was not designed to restrict lawful residential debris burning conducted in compliance with Cal Fire/US Forest Service rules.

Several supervisors asked for clarity in definitions (for example, what qualifies as 'residential debris burning' or an 'unlawful fire') and whether the ordinance would conflict with federal or state bans in the Lake Tahoe Basin. County counsel and lieutenant said the language largely draws from CAL FIRE, BLM and Forest Service definitions and is intended to parallel existing fire codes; staff also proposed an exemption for lawfully permitted campfires and specified enforcement would follow applicable authorities.

Supervisor Parlin and others asked staff to tighten definitions to avoid creating new gray areas; Supervisor Chermbu and the sheriff argued the measure fills enforcement gaps that Cal Fire and other agencies cannot immediately address. The board voted to approve the introduction and first reading, to waive full reading and to continue the item to March 3, 2026 for final passage (motion passed 5‑0). Lieutenant Bloxam thanked the board for support.

Why it matters: County leaders framed the ordinance as a public‑safety tool to allow rapid enforcement where no other statutory or regulatory mechanism provides immediate action, especially amid encampment‑related fires. Supporters said it protects neighbors and critical infrastructure from stray or unattended fires; critics — including several public commenters — asked for clearer language to avoid overbroad application.

What’s next: The board scheduled final passage (second reading) for March 3, 2026; staff indicated they will review Basin‑specific rules and clarify definitions ahead of that hearing.