Kern County, CA Fire Regulations: Outdoor Burning (2026)
Outdoor burning rules in Kern County, 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 Chapter
- Kern County Code Chapter 17.32 (Fire Code)
- Permit Issuer (Valley)
- Cal Fire / SJVAPCD: 1-877-429-2876
- Permit Issuer (East)
- EKAPCD via Kern County Community Connect, (661) 862-5250
- 2025–26 Season Opened
- November 26, 2025, 8:00 a.m.
- State Liability Statute
- CA Health & Safety Code §§ 13007, 13009
Summary
Open burning of vegetation in unincorporated Kern County requires a burn permit from the Kern County Fire Department, may only occur on declared 'permissive burn days' during the announced burn season, and is split between two air districts that must each authorize the burn.
All individuals planning to burn must obtain a burn permit, burn only on permissive days, and adhere to all rules and recommendations outlined in the burn permit terms and conditions... Individuals who choose to use this method of eliminating hazardous vegetation are responsible for always maintaining full control of their fire... may be held civilly and/or criminally liable if a fire escapes or damages neighboring property.
Full Breakdown
32 (Fire Code, which adopts the California Fire Code) together with the Air Pollution Control District with jurisdiction. The Kern County Fire Department announces an annual hazard-reduction open burn season (most recently opened on November 26, 2025); permits are issued through the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District (SJVAPCD) for the valley portion and through the Eastern Kern Air Pollution Control District (EKAPCD) for the eastern portion. Burns may only be conducted on 'permissive burn days' declared by the relevant APCD, and only the hazardous vegetative material described in the permit may be burned. governs liability in State Responsibility Areas. '
Violations & Fines
Burning without a permit, on non-permissive days, or outside the announced season is a fire-code violation enforceable by KCFD. If a fire escapes, the responsible party faces civil liability for all suppression costs and property damage under CA Health & Safety Code § 13009 and § 13007, and may also face misdemeanor charges. APCDs can issue separate air-quality violations and fines.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I burn yard waste anytime in unincorporated Kern County?
Which district issues my burn permit?
What happens if my burn escapes?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Kern County
How Kern County compares: Cities with the Strictest Outdoor Burning Rules·California rules heatmap·Compare Kern County to another location·View the California fire regulations overview
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