Outdoor Burning: El Cerrito vs Martinez
How do outdoor burning rules compare between El Cerrito, CA and Martinez, CA?
El Cerrito and Martinez have similar restriction levels.
El Cerrito, CA
Contra Costa County
Open burning is prohibited in unincorporated Contra Costa County except under a narrow set of agricultural or hazard-reduction permits. Residential yard waste burning is banned year-round under BAAQMD Regulation 5, and wood smoke advisories add further restrictions during winter Spare the Air alerts.
View full El Cerrito rules →Martinez, CA
Contra Costa County
Backyard burning is PROHIBITED under Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) Regulation 5, which has banned open residential burning since 1970. No burning is allowed on Spare the Air days. Agricultural burns may be permitted with BAAQMD authorization.
View full Martinez rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | El Cerrito | Martinez |
|---|---|---|
| Residential yard waste burning | Banned year-round (BAAQMD Reg 5) | - |
| Permit authority | ConFire (CCCFPD) fire marshal | - |
| Winter wood-burn bans | Spare the Air alerts Nov 1 to Feb 28 | - |
| Illegal burn penalty | Up to $1,000 and 6 months jail (PRC 4423) | - |
| Ag burn days | Only on BAAQMD/CAL FIRE permissive days | - |
| Open Burning | - | PROHIBITED — BAAQMD Regulation 5 |
| Prohibited Since | - | 1970 (Bay Area region-wide ban) |
| Spare the Air Days | - | All burning prohibited |
| Authority | - | Bay Area Air Quality Management District |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
El Cerrito FAQ
Can I burn leaves in my yard in unincorporated Contra Costa?
No. Residential yard waste burning is prohibited year-round under BAAQMD Regulation 5, Rule 3. Leaves and green waste must go to curbside green-bin or composted on site.
What about a small recreational campfire?
Approved recreational fires under 3 feet wide and 2 feet tall, using clean seasoned wood, are generally allowed outside fire-restriction periods but may be banned during Red Flag Warnings and Spare the Air nights.
Who issues ag burn permits?
ConFire issues the local burn permit and you must also confirm a permissive burn day with BAAQMD before igniting.
Martinez FAQ
Can I burn yard waste in my backyard in Martinez?
Backyard burning is PROHIBITED under Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) Regulation 5, which has banned open residential burning since 1970. No burning is allowed on Spare the Air days. Agricultural burns may be permitted with BAAQMD authorization.
Do I need a permit for outdoor burning in Martinez?
Open Burning: PROHIBITED — BAAQMD Regulation 5. Prohibited Since: 1970 (Bay Area region-wide ban). Spare the Air Days: All burning prohibited. Authority: Bay Area Air Quality Management District.
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