Monterey County, CA Fire Regulations: Backyard Fires (2026)

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.