San Bernardino County, CA Fire Regulations: Outdoor Burning (2026)

San Bernardino County Fire requires an open fire permit to conduct burning of residential or agricultural vegetation waste within the San Bernardino County Fire Protection District, and residents must report intent to burn online before igniting. Two air districts also govern burning. In South Coast AQMD territory (San Bernardino Valley and all mountains except Wrightwood), ALL residential burning is prohibited; only agricultural and tumbleweed burning may occur with prior SCAQMD approval and inspection. In Mojave Desert AQMD territory (the desert areas, Wrightwood, Summit Valley, Cajon Junction, and Cajon Valley), residential burning of yard and tree trimmings is allowed except in Wrightwood, but agricultural/tumbleweed burning needs prior MDAQMD approval, ignition must start between 6:00 AM and noon, no fuel may be added after 3:00 PM, and all fire must be out within one hour of sunset. County Fire's Outdoor Fire Requirements Guide states only vegetation may be burned; burn barrels are strictly prohibited in all areas; and burning of trash, plastics, treated wood, tires, furniture, and similar materials is strictly prohibited. Open burning must be at least 50 feet from any structure (reducible to 25 feet for piles no larger than 3 by 2 feet). Open burning is prohibited in Wildfire Risk Areas. Vegetation must be dried before burning (e.g., 6 weeks for branches 3 inches or larger). A 4-A fire extinguisher, water supply, and an adult 18+ must be present until extinguished.