Safe Burning Starts Here

Open Burn Permits are required by state law in California, from the local air district, to dispose of vegetative material outdoors by open burning. Non-vegetative material may never be burned and barrel burning is prohibited by law. The District provides open burn permits for prescribed burns (habitat management and fire safety), agriculture (engaging in commerce of crop or livestock) and residential (yard vegetation).

After May 1st, CAL FIRE may require a permit in the State Responsibility Area (SRA) depending on burn conditions and it is available online at no cost.  In the Local Response Area (LRA) your local fire department may also require a permit; we advise checking with yours.

Monday, October 13, 2025, CAL FIRE lifted the burn permit suspension.   This means residential burning is allowed with a valid Air District burn permit on a permissive burn day.  Burn suspension is typically called during summer months due to very high fire risk conditions. 

Plan Ahead for Permit Processing Times

The District processes over 3,000 open burn permits each year.  It is advised that you submit your application and payment at least 2 weeks before your anticipated burn date.  

You may walk-in the office during business hours to pay and receive your permit.  The online permit and payment option typically delivers a permit by email in 2-4 days. Mail-in applications with payment return a permit by USPS and take at least 6 days.

Your open burn permit is good through April 30th of each year and is good for unlimited burn events on permissive burn days (assuming good compliance).

Conduct a Successful Open Burn

Please review your permit and the introduction checklist before you burn.  Burn permits contain regulatory requirements for District and State air quality and fire safety. It is strictly prohibited to burn without a valid permit; to burn on a “no-burn” day; or to burn in a manner that creates excessive smoke.  

Introduction and ChecklistIntroducción y lista de control de quemas al aire librePermiso de Control de Contaminación del Aire para quemas al aire libre (copia de traducción únicamente; no válida)