Mendocino County, CA Fire Regulations: Outdoor Burning (2026)

The Mendocino County Air Quality Management District (MCAQMD) administers open burning under District Regulation 2 (Open Burning), organized into chapters covering general provisions, definitions, procedures, limitations, enforcement, and fees. MCAQMD states that 'all open burning requires a fire and air quality burn permit' and that burning is 'only allowed on permissive burn days as determined by the Air Resources Board and Cal Fire.' Allowed categories include agricultural burning (crop, range, forest, and wildland vegetation management) and non-agricultural burning such as residential yard cleaning for single- or two-family dwellings, fire hazard reduction, and right-of-way clearing. Only vegetative material that grew on the property may be burned, and minimum drying periods apply before burning. Burns of 10 or more acres or 50 or more tons of fuel require an approved Smoke Management Plan. Prohibited materials include milled lumber, paper, cardboard, household garbage, plastics, rubber, tires, treated wood, and other manufactured materials, and burn barrels are banned countywide. Permits cost about $19, and CAL FIRE separately requires burn permits during fire season (typically starting May 1). For permissive burn day status, call 707-463-4391.