Mendocino County, CA Fire Regulations: Fire Pit Rules (2026)

In Mendocino County, open outdoor burning - including wood-fueled fire pits and burn piles - is only allowed on a 'permissive burn day' as determined by the California Air Resources Board and CAL FIRE, and the Mendocino County Air Quality Management District (MCAQMD) states that burn permits are required year-round from both Air Quality and the local fire agency. A standard air quality burn permit costs about $19, and burn barrels are prohibited countywide. Under California's recreational-fire definition, the fire is an outdoor fire with a fuel area no larger than about 3 feet wide by 2 feet high, used for warmth, cooking, or pleasure. In State Responsibility Area (SRA) land, which covers most of unincorporated Mendocino County, a recreational fire needs a permit unless it is confined to a permanent fire ring fueled solely by LPG/propane or natural gas, in which case no permit is required. Portable outdoor fireplaces fueled solely by propane or natural gas also need no permit but must generally be kept at least 15 feet from a structure or combustible material. For current permissive burn day status, residents call the MCAQMD line at 707-463-4391.