Outdoor Burning: El Cajon vs Fallbrook
How do outdoor burning rules compare between El Cajon, CA and Fallbrook, CA?
El Cajon and Fallbrook have similar restriction levels.
El Cajon, CA
San Diego County
SDAPCD Rule 80.1 governs all outdoor burning in El Cajon. Open burning of yard waste is prohibited. CAL FIRE suspends burn permits during fire season. The hot East County climate creates extended fire risk periods.
View full El Cajon rules →Fallbrook, CA
San Diego County
Fallbrook is an unincorporated community in San Diego County served by the North County Fire Protection District. Residential outdoor burning of yard waste and brush is generally not allowed within the SDAPCD jurisdiction; recreational fires under California Fire Code §307 are allowed only if attended, kept under 3 ft × 2 ft, located 25 ft from structures, and limited to clean wood or charcoal. CAL FIRE burn permits are required during fire season for any ag/brush burning.
View full Fallbrook rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | El Cajon | Fallbrook |
|---|---|---|
| Agency | SDAPCD Rule 80.1 | - |
| Yard Waste | Burning prohibited | - |
| Fire Season | Permits suspended Jun-Oct | - |
| Trash | Burning prohibited | - |
| Fire Authority | - | North County Fire Protection District |
| Air District | - | San Diego County APCD (Regulation IV / Rule 101) |
| Code Reference | - | Cal. Fire Code §307; SD County Consolidated Fire Code |
| Recreational Fire Size | - | ≤ 3 ft × 2 ft |
| Setback | - | 25 ft from structure (15 ft portable fireplace) |
| Fuel | - | Clean wood or charcoal only |
| Yard Waste Burning | - | Generally prohibited (SDAPCD) |
| Fire Hazard Zone | - | Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
El Cajon FAQ
Can I burn yard waste in my backyard in El Cajon?
SDAPCD Rule 80.1 governs all outdoor burning in El Cajon. Open burning of yard waste is prohibited. CAL FIRE suspends burn permits during fire season. The hot East County climate creates extended fire risk periods.
Do I need a permit for outdoor burning in El Cajon?
Agency: SDAPCD Rule 80.1. Yard Waste: Burning prohibited. Fire Season: Permits suspended Jun-Oct. Trash: Burning prohibited.
Fallbrook FAQ
Can I burn yard waste in Fallbrook, CA?
No. SDAPCD Rule 101 and the North County Fire Protection District generally prohibit residential open burning of yard waste and refuse. Compost, mulch, or curbside green-waste collection are the legal alternatives.
Are backyard fire pits legal in Fallbrook?
Yes, but only as recreational fires under California Fire Code §307.4.2: maximum 3 ft × 2 ft fuel area, 25 ft from any structure, clean wood or charcoal only, attended at all times, and not during Red Flag warnings or fire-restriction periods. Fallbrook is in a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone, so the local fire authority may impose additional restrictions.
Do I need a burn permit in Fallbrook?
A CAL FIRE burn permit is required for any agricultural or brush-clearance burning during the state's fire-season declaration. SDAPCD must also declare a burn day. For recreational fire pits under 3 ft × 2 ft no permit is generally required, but check with NCFPD before burning, especially during fire season.
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