Aliso Viejo, CA Fire Regulations: Outdoor Burning (2026)
Outdoor burning rules in Aliso Viejo, CA, also called the burn ban, open burning, or fire restriction ordinance, set when you can burn yard waste, debris, or run a recreational fire.
Key Facts
- Wood or solid fuel fire banned
- Winds above 8 MPH with humidity under 25%, or red flag
- All fuel types banned
- Predicted sustained winds above 20 MPH, or a hazard
- Rubbish burning
- Only within an approved incinerator (Section 305.7)
- Solid waste burning
- AVMC 7.05.230: approved incinerator or permitted device only
- Aliso Viejo Ranch
- No fire without city permission or an OCFA permit
- Governing section
- AVMC 13.04.030, Fire Code § 305.6
Summary
In the City of Aliso Viejo, California, outdoor fires burning wood or other solid fuel are not allowed when predicted sustained winds exceed 8 MPH with relative humidity under 25%, when a red flag condition is declared, or when the Fire Code Official posts a sign or a public announcement is made (AVMC 13.04.030, Fire Code § 305.6). Rubbish burns only within an approved incinerator.
Section 305.6 Hazardous Conditions. ... Outdoor fires burning wood or other solid fuel are not allowed when any of the following conditions applies: 1. When predicted sustained winds exceed 8 MPH and relative humidity is less than 25%, or a red flag condition has been declared. 2. When an official sign is posted by the Fire Code Official, or a public announcement is made. No outdoor fires using any fuel type are permitted when predicted sustained winds exceed 20 MPH or when such fires present a hazard as determined by the Fire Code Official. ... 305.7 Disposal of Rubbish. ... Rubbish, trash or combustible waste material shall be burned only within an approved incinerator and in accordance with Section 307.2.1.
Full Breakdown
The City Council adopted the 2025 California Fire Code in AVMC 13.04.005 and added Section 305.6, Hazardous Conditions, in AVMC 13.04.030. Outdoor fires burning wood or other solid fuel are not allowed under either of two triggers. The first is predicted sustained winds above 8 MPH with relative humidity below 25%, or a declared red flag condition. The second is an official sign posted by the Fire Code Official, or a public announcement. A separate ceiling covers every fuel type: no outdoor fire using any fuel type is permitted when predicted sustained winds exceed 20 MPH or when the fire presents a hazard as determined by the Fire Code Official. Section 305.7 limits rubbish, trash and combustible waste to burning within an approved incinerator, in accordance with Section 307.2.1.
The Municipal Code adds burn rules outside the fire code. AVMC 7.05.230 provides that no person shall burn or bury any solid waste within the city except in an approved incinerator or transformation facility or other device for which a permit has been issued by the building official, and the burning must comply with all other laws and the rules of air pollution control authorities. Composting of putrescible waste is not prohibited where rodents, insects and other disease vectors are not drawn to the pile.
Location rules apply as well. Wood and solid fuel burning is not allowed within a fuel modification zone, Wildfire Risk Area or Wildland-Urban Interface Area under Section 307.6.2.1. In designated city parks, AVMC 11.10.310 allows fires only in a camp stove, fire ring, barbecue or fireplace provided in designated areas, and requires a 25-foot clearing of deadwood, moss, dry leaves and other combustible material in all directions before a campfire is built. At the Aliso Viejo Ranch, AVMC 11.12.030(S) prohibits any fire unless the city expressly permits it or the Orange County fire authority issues a permit, and city staff or the authority can order a permitted fire extinguished for reasons including wind speed, wind direction or flying embers.
Violations & Fines
Fire code violations carry penalties under the OCFA Prevention Field Services fee schedule, and each day a violation continues after due notice is a separate offense (AVMC 13.04.010, Section 113.4). Permitting a fire hazard on premises under your control is an infraction, and failing to abate a hazard immediately when ordered is a misdemeanor (Section 113.4.2). AVMC 1.06.010 sets a misdemeanor fine of not more than $1,000 or six months in jail, with infraction fines capped at $100, $200 and $500 for repeats.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I burn wood in my yard on a red flag day in Aliso Viejo?
Is there a wind limit that applies to every kind of fire?
Can I burn yard waste or trash in the City of Aliso Viejo?
Who can order a fire put out at the Aliso Viejo Ranch?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Aliso Viejo
How Aliso Viejo compares: Cities with the Strictest Outdoor Burning Rules·California rules heatmap·Compare Aliso Viejo to another location·View the California fire regulations overview
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