Santa Cruz, CA Fire Regulations: Backyard Fires (2026)

Under Santa Cruz County Fire Code § 7.92.307 and CAL FIRE's published Santa Cruz County Pile Burning Guidelines, a residential backyard burn is limited to a single vegetation pile no larger than 4 feet wide by 4 feet long by 4 feet high. The pile must have a minimum 10-foot clearance down to bare mineral soil in all directions, and a responsible adult must be in constant attendance with a charged water source and hand tools (rake, shovel, hoe). Only dry vegetation grown on the same parcel may be burned; small material (under 2 inches) must be dried at least 30 days, 2-6 inch material at least 60 days, and 6-inch-plus material at least 180 days. Ignition is only allowed between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM; the fire must be completely extinguished by 5:00 PM (CAL FIRE requires the burn out by 4-5 PM). Burning is prohibited on Red Flag, windy, or low-humidity days. An MBARD smoke management permit and confirmed permissive burn day are required. These rules apply only in the Santa Cruz County LRA; San Lorenzo Valley fire districts apply additional restrictions and Santa Clara County prohibits backyard burns entirely.