Outdoor burning rules in Orange 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.
Outdoor burning is heavily restricted in unincorporated Orange County under the California Fire Code as adopted by OCFA. Open burning of yard waste, trash, or debris is prohibited. Recreational fires in approved containers may be permitted under strict conditions, but are banned during red flag warnings or high-wind events.
The Orange County Fire Authority enforces the California Fire Code in unincorporated areas, which prohibits open burning of vegetation, trash, or construction debris without a permit. Recreational fires (fire pits, chimineas) using approved containers are allowed under limited conditions: fires must be constantly attended, extinguishing equipment must be readily available, and the fire must be at least 15 feet from structures or combustible materials. Outdoor fires burning wood or solid fuel are prohibited when predicted sustained winds exceed 8 MPH with relative humidity below 25%, when a red flag warning is declared, when an official sign is posted by the Fire Code Official, or when conditions could cause fire spread. No outdoor fires using any fuel type are permitted when sustained winds exceed 20 MPH. Burning within a fuel modification zone, Wildfire Risk Area (WRA), or Wildland-Urban Interface Area (WUI) is prohibited. Agricultural burning requires a South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) permit.
Violations of fire code provisions can result in misdemeanor charges. OCFA may issue stop orders, administrative citations, and cost-recovery charges for fire suppression. Starting an illegal fire that spreads can result in felony arson charges.
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