Port Hueneme Burn Bans Rules (2026): What You Need to Know

Port Hueneme's burn restrictions are administered by the Ventura County Air Pollution Control District (VCAPCD), which is the air quality authority for all of Ventura County. VCAPCD is entirely separate from the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) that covers Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties. Under VCAPCD Rule 55 (Wood-Burning Devices), the district monitors meteorological conditions from November 1 through February 28 and declares mandatory No-Burn days when atmospheric conditions — particularly temperature inversions and stagnant air patterns — inhibit the dispersal of fine particulate matter (PM2.5). On declared No-Burn days, all wood burning in residential fireplaces, wood stoves, pellet stoves, and outdoor fire pits is prohibited throughout Ventura County, including Port Hueneme. Residents can check the daily burn status at vcapcd.org or by calling the VCAPCD burn-day information line at (805) 645-1400.

Port Hueneme's location on the Ventura County coast means the city generally benefits from onshore marine breezes that aid in pollutant dispersion, resulting in fewer No-Burn day declarations compared to inland Ventura County communities such as Simi Valley or Ojai. However, during Santa Ana wind events and winter inversions, the entire county — including coastal cities — may be placed under mandatory curtailment. The city's compact geography of approximately 4.5 square miles and proximity to Naval Base Ventura County means residential wood-burning smoke can concentrate quickly in the small urban footprint.

Separately, the Ventura County Fire Protection District and CAL FIRE Ventura Unit may issue emergency burning prohibitions during Red Flag Warning conditions — periods of extreme fire weather with low humidity, high temperatures, and strong offshore winds. During these declared prohibitions all outdoor burning is suspended regardless of VCAPCD burn-day status. Open burning of yard waste, leaves, tree trimmings, or other vegetative debris is permanently prohibited within Port Hueneme's city limits under the California Fire Code as locally adopted. Residents should use the city's curbside green waste collection program for vegetation disposal.

Port Hueneme residents who rely on a wood-burning device as their sole source of heat may qualify for a hardship exemption from VCAPCD No-Burn day restrictions. Contact VCAPCD directly to verify current exemption criteria and documentation requirements.