Santa Clarita Burn Bans Rules (2026): What You Need to Know

Santa Clarita falls within the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD), which declares mandatory no-burn days under Rule 445 when air quality conditions warrant restrictions. On no-burn days, residents below 3,000 feet in elevation are prohibited from burning wood, manufactured logs, or any solid fuel in fireplaces, fire pits, or outdoor fire features. Gas and propane appliances, EPA-certified wood-burning devices, and pellet stoves may be exempt.

Beyond SCAQMD restrictions, open burning of vegetation, trash, yard debris, or other materials is prohibited within the city without a permit from the LA County Fire Department. The city's fire code, adopting the 2022 California Fire Code, requires fire permits for any open burning activity. Given Santa Clarita's history with significant wildfires, including the Sand Fire (2016) and Tick Fire (2019), the region has heightened awareness and strict enforcement of burn restrictions.

CAL FIRE may also declare burn suspensions independent of SCAQMD during periods of high fire danger, particularly during Santa Ana wind events common in the fall months. During red flag warnings, all outdoor burning is prohibited regardless of any existing permits. The LA County Fire Department actively patrols and enforces burn restrictions in the Santa Clarita Valley, and residents should check both SCAQMD and CAL FIRE status before any outdoor burning activity.