Outdoor Burning: Camarillo vs Thousand Oaks
How do outdoor burning rules compare between Camarillo, CA and Thousand Oaks, CA?
Thousand Oaks has fewer restrictions than Camarillo.
Camarillo, CA
Ventura County
Open burning of any waste materials is prohibited in Camarillo under CMC Section 9.04.110 and Ventura County Air Pollution Control District (VCAPCD) Rule 56. The VCAPCD issues daily burn status decisions. Recreational fires in approved containers are generally allowed outside of no-burn periods.
View full Camarillo rules →Thousand Oaks, CA
Ventura County
Outdoor wood burning is subject to seasonal no-burn days (typically November–February) under South Coast AQMD Check Before You Burn program. Gas/propane fire pits are generally permitted year-round. Household trash burning is prohibited.
View full Thousand Oaks rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Camarillo | Thousand Oaks |
|---|---|---|
| Waste Burning | Prohibited (CMC 9.04.110) | - |
| Air Quality Rule | VCAPCD Rule 56 | - |
| Daily Burn Status | Check VCAPCD before any fire | - |
| Red Flag Warnings | All outdoor fires prohibited | - |
| VCAPCD Contact | (805) 645-1400 | - |
| No-Burn Season | - | November – February (seasonal) |
| Authority | - | South Coast AQMD / VCAPCD |
| Gas Fire Pits | - | Permitted year-round |
| Trash Burning | - | Prohibited |
| Check Status | - | AirNow.gov or AQMD alerts |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Camarillo FAQ
Can I burn leaves or yard waste in Camarillo?
No. CMC Section 9.04.110 prohibits the burning of solid waste including yard waste. Yard waste must be placed in green waste containers for collection or taken to an approved disposal facility.
How do I check if it's a burn day in Camarillo?
Contact the VCAPCD at (805) 645-1400 or check their website for the daily burn status. On no-burn days, all outdoor fires including recreational fires in fire pits are prohibited.
Can I use a charcoal grill in Camarillo?
Charcoal and gas grills for cooking are generally allowed on permissible burn days with adequate clearance from structures. During red flag warnings, all open flames may be restricted. Check your HOA rules as some Camarillo communities restrict grill types or locations.
Thousand Oaks FAQ
Can I have an outdoor fire in Thousand Oaks?
Recreational fires in portable fire pits are allowed following SCAQMD rules: no burning on no-burn days, attended at all times, and with means of extinguishment nearby. No open burning of trash or yard waste.
How do I check if it's a no-burn day?
Check SCAQMD at aqmd.gov or call (866) 966-3293. No-burn days are declared when air quality is poor. Wood-burning fire pits and fireplaces are prohibited on no-burn days.
Can I burn yard waste?
No. Open burning of yard waste, trash, and construction debris is prohibited in Thousand Oaks. Use the city's green waste collection service or take materials to a Ventura County transfer station.
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