Us Code § 551c - –1. Limitations on prescribed burns

Full text of Us Code United States Code § 551c — –1. Limitations on prescribed burns, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 551c. –1. Limitations on prescribed burns

(a) In general

Except as provided in subsection (b), the Secretary shall not authorize a prescribed burn on Forest Service land if, for the county or contiguous county in which the land is located, the national fire danger rating system indicates an extreme fire danger level.

(b) Exception

The Secretary may authorize a prescribed burn under a condition described in subsection (a) if the Secretary coordinates with the applicable State government and local fire officials.

(c) Report

At the end of each fiscal year, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report describing—

(1) the number and locations of prescribed burns during that fiscal year; and

(2) each prescribed burn during that fiscal year that was authorized by the Secretary pursuant to subsection (b).

(Pub. L. 114–275, §3, Dec. 14, 2016, 130 Stat. 1405.)


Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Definitions

Pub. L. 114–275, §2, Dec. 14, 2016, 130 Stat. 1405, provided that: "In this Act [enacting this section and provisions set out as a note under section 551 of this title]:

"(1) National fire danger rating system.—The term 'national fire danger rating system' means the national system used to provide a measure of fire danger according to a range of low to moderate to high to very high to extreme.

"(2) Prescribed burn.—The term 'prescribed burn' means a planned fire intentionally ignited.

"(3) Secretary.—The term 'Secretary' means the Secretary of Agriculture, acting through the Chief of the Forest Service."

About This Section

16 U.S.C. § 551c is part of Title 16 of the United States Code. The United States Code is the official codification of federal statutes maintained by the Office of the Law Revision Counsel of the U.S. House of Representatives. Congress amends the Code through new public laws, which are eventually incorporated into the relevant title.

This section may be cited in legal writing as 16 U.S.C. § 551c. For the most current official text, including any recent amendments, use the official source links below. Do not rely on this page as the sole authority for legal citation or litigation.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Us Code § 551c

What does United States Code § 551c cover?

Section 551c ("–1. Limitations on prescribed burns") is part of the United States Code, the codified statutory law of Us Code. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Us Code § 551c?

A common citation format is "United States Code § 551c" (Us Code). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Us Code law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Us Code official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Us Code attorney.

How does Us Code § 551c apply to my situation?

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Sources & Verification

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