Riverside County, CA Fire Regulations: Outdoor Burning (2026)

Open burning in unincorporated Riverside County is regulated by both the County Fire Code and the governing air districts. Under the California Fire Code (adopted by Ord. 787, 2022 edition), Section 307.2 requires a permit from the fire code official for open burning, and Section 307.1 prohibits any open burning unless conducted and approved per 307.1.1–307.5. Setbacks: general open burning must be at least 50 feet from any structure (CFC 307.4), and bonfires at least 50 feet (CFC 307.4.1); small piles (3 feet or less) may be 25 feet. All open burning must be constantly attended with a 4-A extinguisher or water/dirt available (CFC 307.5). Air-quality approval is separately mandatory. Most of western Riverside County falls within the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD). Under SCAQMD Rule 444, agricultural and other permitted open burning requires the operator to obtain a Burn Authorization Number on the Burn Line before 4:00 p.m. the day before, and burning is only allowed on a declared Burn Day. Agricultural waste must be dry, free of trash and non-agricultural material, and located over 1,000 feet from sensitive receptors; projects over 10 acres or producing more than one ton of particulates need an approved Burn Management Plan. CAL FIRE / Riverside County Fire routinely suspends residential outdoor burn permits during high fire season. Always call before any burn.