Redlands, CA Fire Regulations: Outdoor Burning (2026)

Redlands lies within the South Coast Air Basin and the South Coast Air Quality Management District (South Coast AQMD), which regulates open burning. Under South Coast AQMD Rule 444 (Open Burning), residential open burning is prohibited in all San Bernardino Valley areas -- which includes Redlands -- so residents may not burn yard waste, trash, leaves, or debris in the open. Only limited categories such as agricultural and hazard-reduction burning are allowed, and only with prior AQMD approval, inspection, and a Burn Authorization Number, with ignition restricted to specified daytime hours. Separately, South Coast AQMD's 'Check Before You Burn' program (Rule 445) declares mandatory No-Burn days during the wood-burning season (November 1 through the last day of February), on which all solid-fuel burning -- including fireplaces, wood stoves, fire pits, and manufactured logs -- is banned, with limited exemptions for sole-source heat, low-income households, homes without natural gas service, and elevations above 3,000 feet. The City of Redlands does not authorize backyard trash or debris burning; the Redlands Fire Department enforces the City's adopted 2022 California Fire Code (RMC 15.20), under which open burning generally requires a permit and approved conditions. Always check current burn status before any outdoor fire.