Burbank, CA Fire Regulations: Outdoor Burning (2026)
Outdoor burning rules in Burbank, 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
- Code Section
- BMC 9-1-9-307.1.1.1 (Open Burning General)
- Permit required
- Yes - from the Fire Code Official, limited purposes only
- Hazard-abatement hours
- 6:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon
- Air quality
- Must comply with South Coast AQMD regulations
Summary
Open burning is prohibited in Burbank except by permit from the Fire Code Official for a short list of purposes. Burbank Municipal Code 9-1-9-307.1.1.1 (a local amendment adding to the adopted California Fire Code) authorizes open-burning permits only for fire-hazard abatement, city lot-burning crews, fire-fighting instruction, and certain sponsored gatherings, and all permits must comply with South Coast Air Quality Management District rules.
9-1-9-307.1.1.1: OPEN BURNING GENERAL: The following section is added to Chapter 3, Part 9 of the CFC: 307.1.1.1 Open burning general. The Fire Code Official is authorized to issue a permit for open burning only for the following purposes and subject to the provisions hereinafter set forth: a. The prevention or removal of a fire hazard which cannot be abated by any other means, restricted to the hours of six (6) a.m. to twelve (12) noon of any day. b. City lot burning crews operating under the authority of the Public Works Director. c. The instruction of public employees in the methods of fighting fire. d. On property used for commercial/industrial purposes for the instruction of employees in the methods of fighting fire. e. For public or private gatherings under the legitimate sponsorship of civic, fraternal, religious, or other similar organizations. f. Permits to burn must comply with regulations of the South Coast Air Quality Management District. [Added by Ord. No. 25-4,034, eff. 1/1/26.]
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 26-4,038, passed February 24, 2026).
Full Breakdown
BMC 9-1-9-307.1.1.1, added by Ordinance 25-4,034 (eff. 1/1/26), states that the Fire Code Official 'is authorized to issue a permit for open burning only' for: (a) prevention or removal of a fire hazard that cannot be abated by other means, restricted to 6 a.m. to 12 noon; (b) city lot-burning crews under the Public Works Director; (c) instruction of public employees in fighting fire; (d) instruction of employees on commercial/industrial property; (e) public or private gatherings sponsored by civic, fraternal, religious, or similar organizations; and (f) permits must comply with South Coast AQMD regulations. There is no general right to burn yard waste or trash. The base adopted California Fire Code (CFC 307) and SCAQMD air-quality rules apply on top of these local conditions.
Violations & Fines
Open burning without a required permit, or outside permitted purposes/hours, is a violation of the Burbank Municipal Code and a misdemeanor unless charged as an infraction (BMC 1-1-105). The Fire Code Official may order corrective action and recover costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I burn yard waste or trash in my Burbank backyard?
When can hazard-abatement burning happen?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Burbank
How Burbank compares: Cities with the Strictest Outdoor Burning Rules·California rules heatmap·Compare Burbank to another location·View the California fire regulations overview
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