Orange County, CA Fire Regulations: Outdoor Burning (2026)
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.
Key Facts
- Wind/humidity trigger
- 8 mph wind, under 25% humidity
- Hard cutoff
- No outdoor fires above 20 mph winds
- Enforcing agency
- Orange County Fire Authority
- Rubbish burning
- Only in an approved incinerator
- Citation
- Fire Code section 305.6, Ord. 25-022
Summary
In unincorporated Orange County, the Fire Code bars outdoor wood fires whenever winds top 8 mph with humidity under 25%, a red flag is declared, or OCFA posts a burn-ban notice, and bans all outdoor fires above 20 mph winds.
305.6 Hazardous conditions. Outdoor fires burning wood or other solid fuel are not allowed when any of the following conditions applies: 1. When predicted sustained winds exceed 8 MPH and relative humidity is less than 25%, or a red flag condition has been declared. 2. When an official sign was caused to be posted by the fire code official, or a public announcement is made. No outdoor fires using any fuel type are permitted when predicted sustained winds exceed 20 MPH or when such fires present a hazard as determined by the fire code official.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 157).
Full Breakdown
Orange County's Fire Code amendments (Codified Ordinances section 3-3-5, adding California Fire Code section 305.6) prohibit outdoor fires burning wood or solid fuel across unincorporated Orange County whenever sustained winds exceed 8 mph and relative humidity drops below 25 percent, a red flag warning is in effect, or the Orange County Fire Authority posts a ban notice or public announcement. Above 20 mph sustained winds, no outdoor fire of any fuel type is allowed. Rubbish and combustible waste may be burned only in an approved incinerator under section 305.7.
Violations & Fines
Violating a burn restriction is an infraction; ignoring an OCFA order to abate a fire hazard is a misdemeanor. Penalties follow the OCFA fee schedule, and each day of continued violation counts as a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have a campfire in unincorporated Orange County?
Does this rule apply inside Anaheim, Irvine, or other OC cities?
Where can I legally burn yard waste or trash?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Orange County
How Orange County compares: Cities with the Strictest Outdoor Burning Rules·California rules heatmap·Compare Orange County to another location·View the California fire regulations overview
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