Fullerton Backyard Fire Regulations Rules (2026): What You Need to Know

Fullerton is located within the jurisdiction of the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD), which prohibits most forms of open burning under Rule 444. Residential property owners may not burn trash, yard waste (leaves, branches, grass clippings), construction debris, painted or treated lumber, or any other waste materials outdoors. This prohibition is absolute — no residential burn permits are issued, and there are no seasonal exceptions for waste burning.

Recreational fires — small fires for warmth, cooking, or ambiance — are permitted in approved fire pits and outdoor fireplaces that meet Fullerton Fire Department and California Fire Code requirements. These recreational fires must burn only clean, dry, untreated firewood or manufactured fire logs. Burning of paper, cardboard, food packaging, or other materials beyond incidental fire-starting kindling is not permitted.

SCAQMD periodically declares mandatory no-burn days (also known as Check Before You Burn days) during periods of poor air quality or unfavorable atmospheric conditions. On mandatory no-burn days, all outdoor fires — including recreational fires in fire pits — are prohibited unless the device is an EPA-certified or SCAQMD-certified device. Residents should check the SCAQMD website or call 1-866-966-3293 to verify whether a no-burn day is in effect before lighting any outdoor fire.

Fullerton's fire department enforces open burning prohibitions and responds to complaints about illegal burning. Illegal burns can be reported to the Fullerton Fire Department at (714) 738-6500 or to SCAQMD at 1-800-288-7664.