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.
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.
Open burning in unincorporated Kern County is governed by Kern County Code Chapter 17.32 (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. California Health & Safety Code § 13007 imposes civil liability on anyone whose unauthorized or escaped fire damages another's property, and Public Resources Code § 4421 et seq. governs liability in State Responsibility Areas. KCFD explicitly warns that 'individuals who choose to use this method of eliminating hazardous vegetation are responsible for always maintaining full control of their fire' and 'may be held civilly and/or criminally liable if a fire escapes or damages neighboring property.'
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.
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