Outdoor Burning: El Cajon vs San Diego
How do outdoor burning rules compare between El Cajon, CA and San Diego, CA?
El Cajon and San Diego 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 →San Diego, CA
San Diego County
Open burning is prohibited in San Diego except for recreational fires in compliance with Fire Code Section 511.0307. Agricultural and prescribed burns require permits from SDAPCD. Open burning locations must be at least 50 feet from any structure. Burn bans enforced during high fire danger.
View full San Diego rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | El Cajon | San Diego |
|---|---|---|
| Agency | SDAPCD Rule 80.1 | - |
| Yard Waste | Burning prohibited | - |
| Fire Season | Permits suspended Jun-Oct | - |
| Trash | Burning prohibited | - |
| Open Burning | - | Generally prohibited |
| Clearance | - | 50 feet from structures |
| Trash Burning | - | Always prohibited |
| Ag/Prescribed Burns | - | SDAPCD permit required |
| Code | - | SDMC Ch. 5, Art. 11 |
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.
San Diego FAQ
Can I burn yard waste in San Diego?
No. Burning of trash, yard waste, or construction debris is prohibited within San Diego city limits. Use the City's yard waste collection program or take green waste to a recycling facility.
When are burn bans in effect?
The Fire Chief declares burn bans during Red Flag warnings, Santa Ana wind events, or other high fire danger conditions. All open fires are prohibited during these periods.
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