Outdoor burning rules in Santa Ana, 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 is prohibited in Santa Ana under SAMC Chapter 14 and South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) Rule 444. Recreational fires in approved fire pits may be permitted subject to OCFA regulations and air quality restrictions.
Santa Ana prohibits open burning of any kind including yard waste, trash, and debris under SAMC Chapter 14 and SCAQMD Rule 444, which bans open burning in the South Coast Air Basin except for limited exemptions. Recreational fires in manufactured fire pits designed for that purpose may be allowed on private property provided they comply with OCFA requirements: fires must be in an approved container, located at least 15 feet from any structure or combustible material, attended at all times, and extinguished if ordered by fire personnel. Charcoal and gas grills used for cooking are permitted but must be at least 10 feet from combustible construction. No burning is permitted during SCAQMD no-burn days.
Open burning in violation of SCAQMD Rule 444 is subject to fines starting at $50 for a first offense and escalating for repeat violations. Burning that creates a fire hazard may result in OCFA enforcement action and criminal charges.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Orange County.
See how other cities in Orange County handle outdoor burning.
See how Santa Ana's outdoor burning rules stack up against other locations.
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