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

Section L (Residential Burning) of FRAQMD Regulation II, Rule 2.0 governs backyard debris burning at one- and two-family residences in Sutter County. Burning in a burn barrel or incinerator is prohibited, as is burning paper, cardboard, garbage, or any other prohibited material; only vegetation generated on the property where the burn occurs may be burned. Fires must be at least 25 feet from any occupied dwelling, the burn area must have a minimum 10-foot clearance, and a responsible adult must attend the burn at all times. Residential burn days are Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday when designated permissive by the Air Pollution Control Officer; burn hours run 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with no material added after 3:00 p.m. and fires fully extinguished by 4:00 p.m. The District's Residential Open Burning handout (approved January 30, 2026) adds that burning on parcels larger than two acres may require a District permit, recommends an open 4-foot by 4-foot pile, and sets drying times of 3 days for weeds and leaves, 30 days for material under 6 inches in diameter, and 45 days for larger material. Properties in CAL FIRE State Responsibility Areas, including Sutter Buttes locations (Burn Zone 7), are subject to seasonal burn bans and must obtain a CAL FIRE burn permit through burnpermit.fire.ca.gov.