Simi Valley Burn Bans Rules (2026): What You Need to Know

Simi Valley is located within Ventura County and falls under the air quality jurisdiction of the Ventura County Air Pollution Control District (VCAPCD). The VCAPCD — not the South Coast AQMD, which covers Los Angeles County — issues seasonal No-Burn advisories and mandatory curtailment orders for Ventura County. On days when the VCAPCD determines that particulate matter (PM2.5) levels are forecast to be unhealthy, residents may not operate wood-burning fireplaces, traditional wood stoves, or other solid-fuel-burning devices. Mandatory No-Burn days are typically called during winter months, especially during temperature inversions and stagnant air periods.

EPA-certified pellet stoves that meet district emission standards and natural gas or propane fireplaces are exempt from mandatory No-Burn day restrictions because they produce significantly lower particulate emissions. Residents who rely on a wood-burning device as their sole source of heat may qualify for a hardship exemption — contact VCAPCD directly to verify current exemption criteria. VCAPCD operates a curtailment notification hotline and posts No-Burn day advisories on its website and through local media channels. Simi Valley residents are also encouraged to sign up for VCAPCD air quality alerts at vcapcd.org.

Separately, open burning of yard waste, debris, and agricultural materials within Simi Valley city limits is prohibited under the Ventura County Fire Department burn rules and VCAPCD regulations. Chipping, composting, and green waste hauling programs through the City of Simi Valley are the recommended alternatives for vegetation disposal. During elevated wildfire risk periods or declared Red Flag conditions, all outdoor burning — including recreational fires — may be prohibited by the Ventura County Fire Department regardless of VCAPCD burn day status.