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

Ventura falls within the jurisdiction of the Ventura County Air Pollution Control District (VCAPCD), which issues daily burn day determinations based on forecast meteorological conditions and projected particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) concentrations. When VCAPCD calls a No-Burn Day, it is unlawful to operate any wood-burning fireplace, wood stove, pellet stove, fire pit using solid fuel, or any other indoor or outdoor solid-fuel burning appliance within Ventura County, including the incorporated city limits of Ventura. No-Burn Days are common during the winter months, particularly when stagnant high-pressure systems trap pollutants near the surface. Residents can check the current burn day status at the VCAPCD website or by calling the district's Burn Day hotline.

Open outdoor burning — including burning of yard waste, green waste, construction debris, garbage, or agricultural materials within city limits — is prohibited at all times under both the San Buenaventura Municipal Code and the California Health and Safety Code. This prohibition applies regardless of VCAPCD burn day status. Unlike rural unincorporated areas of Ventura County where agricultural burning may be permitted under permit on appropriate burn days, city residents have no mechanism to obtain open-burning permits for routine debris disposal. Green waste and yard trimmings must be composted or placed in the city's green waste collection program.

The Ventura County Fire Department (VCFD), which provides fire protection services to the City of Ventura, independently prohibits all outdoor fires during declared Red Flag Warning periods. A Red Flag Warning means high winds, low humidity, and dry fuel conditions have created critical fire weather. During a Red Flag Warning, even permitted gas-fueled fire pits and outdoor heaters in Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones may be restricted. Residents should monitor both VCAPCD burn day status and VCFD Red Flag Warning status year-round, as these are independent regulatory systems that can each independently prohibit burning.