Outdoor Burning: Folsom vs Rancho Cordova
How do outdoor burning rules compare between Folsom, CA and Rancho Cordova, CA?
Folsom and Rancho Cordova have similar restriction levels.
Folsom, CA
Sacramento County
Open outdoor burning of yard waste, trash, or debris is prohibited in Folsom year-round. Sacramento Metropolitan AQMD Rule 401 bans agricultural and residential burning in the urbanized Sacramento basin. Violations can result in fines up to $1,000 plus AQMD penalties.
View full Folsom rules →Rancho Cordova, CA
Sacramento County
Open burning of yard waste, trash, and construction debris is prohibited in Rancho Cordova. SMAQMD Rule 421 and district no-burn rules, combined with Metro Fire regulations, effectively ban residential open burning. Only approved small recreational fires and cooking appliances are allowed.
View full Rancho Cordova rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Folsom | Rancho Cordova |
|---|---|---|
| Status | Banned year-round | - |
| Air District | SMAQMD Rule 401 | - |
| Yard Waste | Use green waste cart | Open burning banned |
| State Law | PRC §4423 | PRC 4423 fire season |
| Fine | Up to $1,000 + AQMD | - |
| SMAQMD Rule | - | Rule 421 wood burning |
| Allowed | - | Propane and natural gas grills |
| Enforcement | - | SMAQMD and Metro Fire |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Folsom FAQ
Can I burn fallen leaves in my backyard in autumn?
No. SMAQMD Rule 401 prohibits residential open burning of yard waste. Use your weekly green waste cart or drop off at Kiefer Landfill.
Are there any legal outdoor burns in Folsom?
Only permitted recreational fires in approved containers, or agency-permitted prescribed burns. Waste and debris burning is always prohibited.
Rancho Cordova FAQ
Can I burn leaves in my backyard in Rancho Cordova?
No. SMAQMD prohibits open burning of leaves and yard waste in urban Sacramento County. Use curbside green waste pickup instead.
What is a No Burn day?
A No Burn day is declared by SMAQMD when air quality forecasts exceed PM2.5 thresholds. All residential wood burning including fireplaces is prohibited that day.
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