Outdoor burning rules in Sacramento 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.
Open burning of yard waste, trash, and vegetation is generally prohibited in unincorporated Sacramento County under SMAQMD Rule 421 and county fire code. Agricultural burns require SMAQMD permits and burn-day authorization.
SMAQMD Rule 401 and Rule 421 regulate open burning in Sacramento County. Residential burning of leaves, yard trimmings, and household waste is prohibited year-round. Agricultural burns (orchard prunings, rice stubble) require a valid SMAQMD burn permit and may only occur on declared permissive burn days. Fire season, typically declared by Metro Fire and Cal Fire from roughly May through October, suspends nearly all outdoor burning except properly permitted activities. Residents are directed to green waste curbside pickup or Kiefer Landfill for disposal.
SMAQMD administrative penalties start at 100 dollars for a first offense and escalate up to 1,000 dollars. Burning during a Red Flag Warning or on a no-burn day is a misdemeanor under PRC 4423 with fines to 1,000 dollars and 6 months jail.
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See how Sacramento County's outdoor burning rules stack up against other locations.
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