Backyard burning of vegetation in unincorporated Monterey County is tightly controlled: it requires an MBARD burn permit, is allowed only on declared burn days during a limited winter season, and is suspended by CAL FIRE during peak fire season. Recreational warming/cooking fires are separate and follow the California Fire Code.
There are two types of "backyard fire" in unincorporated Monterey County. Burning of yard waste / natural vegetation is regulated by MBARD Rule 438 and CAL FIRE. Residential backyard burn season for the Monterey County Regional Fire District runs December 1 through April 30; outside that period CAL FIRE generally suspends residential debris burning for peak wildfire season. You must hold a burn permit, burn only on a permissive burn day (verify at (800) 225-2876), burn only dry natural vegetation grown on the property, keep a 10-foot clearance to bare mineral soil around piles no larger than four feet by four feet, burn only between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. (no fuel added after 3:00 p.m., out by 5:00 p.m.), avoid windy days, and keep a responsible adult in attendance until the fire is fully extinguished. Burning household trash, paper, lumber, plastic, and similar material is prohibited year-round. Recreational backyard fires (small wood or charcoal fires for warmth or cooking) instead follow the California Fire Code adopted under County Code Chapter 18.09 — they must be attended, kept clear of structures and vegetation, and may be banned during red-flag or fire-season restrictions. Because the county includes extreme-risk areas such as Big Sur and the Santa Lucia Mountains, all backyard fire activity should be confirmed against current local fire-district restrictions.
Backyard vegetation burning without a permit, on a no-burn day, or of prohibited materials violates MBARD Rule 438 and CAL FIRE rules and can bring citations plus liability for any escaped fire. Recreational fires that violate the California Fire Code or active restrictions can also be cited.
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