Huntington Beach Burn Bans Rules (2026): What You Need to Know

Huntington Beach is located in Orange County within the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD), which regulates air quality across Orange County and portions of Los Angeles, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties. SCAQMD Rule 445 mandates no-burn curtailment orders when fine particulate matter (PM2.5) levels are forecast to exceed federal health standards, primarily during fall and winter months. On declared no-burn days, all wood-burning in residential and commercial fireplaces, wood stoves, fire pits, chimineas, and similar devices is prohibited. Violations carry fines starting at $50 for a first offense and escalating to $1,000 for repeat violations.

As a densely developed coastal city of approximately 199,000 residents known as "Surf City USA," Huntington Beach prohibits open burning of trash, yard waste, leaves, construction debris, and all other materials year-round under both SCAQMD regulations and the California Fire Code. The Huntington Beach Fire Department enforces open burning prohibitions within city limits.

Huntington Beach is notable for its designated beach bonfire fire rings, a longstanding coastal tradition. The city maintains concrete fire rings at Huntington City Beach, and additional rings are available at Bolsa Chica State Beach (managed by California State Parks). Wood and charcoal fires are permitted in these designated rings on days when SCAQMD has not declared a no-burn alert. Beach bonfires outside of designated fire rings are prohibited at all times. During no-burn days, even the designated beach fire rings are subject to the SCAQMD curtailment order and wood fires may not be lit. Propane-fueled devices remain permitted on the beach at all times.

Gas and propane fireplaces, fire pits, and barbecue grills are exempt from SCAQMD no-burn day restrictions. EPA Phase II certified wood-burning devices used as the sole source of heat qualify for an exemption, and low-income households meeting SCAQMD financial hardship criteria may apply for a separate exemption. Residents can check current burn status at AQMD.gov, call 1-800-CUT-SMOG (1-800-288-7664), or sign up for free Air Alert notifications.