Kings County, CA Fire Regulations: Outdoor Burning (2026)
Outdoor burning rules in Kings 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
- Unattended fires
- Unlawful
- Extinguish method
- Dirt or water, fully
- Permits issued by
- County Fire Chief
- Liability
- Not excused by permit
Summary
County fire code makes it unlawful to leave any permitted burn unattended and requires the fire to be fully extinguished with dirt or water before anyone in charge leaves it.
It shall be unlawful to leave, or cause or permit to be left, any fire unattended by an adult person, or such persons as may be required in the permit issued for any such fire by the county fire chief. Before leaving any such fire, such persons in charge of such fire shall thoroughly extinguish the same by completely covering it with dirt, saturating it with water, or otherwise treating it in such a manner to prevent rekindling of such fire.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 13).
Full Breakdown
Burning in unincorporated Kings County is done under a permit issued by the county fire chief, and the fire code adds duties on top of that permit: no fire may be left unattended by an adult (or other person required by the permit), and before leaving, whoever is in charge must extinguish it completely, covering it with dirt, saturating it with water, or otherwise ensuring it cannot rekindle. Permit conditions do not excuse civil or criminal liability for violating the law.
Violations & Fines
Leaving a fire unattended, or failing to fully extinguish it before leaving, is a violation of the fire code enforced by the county fire chief.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I leave a permitted burn pile unattended in Kings County?
Does a burn permit protect me from liability?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Kings County
How Kings County compares: Cities with the Strictest Outdoor Burning Rules·California rules heatmap·Compare Kings County to another location·View the California fire regulations overview
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