Temecula, CA Fire Regulations: Outdoor Burning (2026)

Open burning of yard waste, leaves, brush, construction debris, or trash is prohibited within Temecula city limits under Municipal Code provisions and South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) Rule 444, which bans most residential and agricultural open burning in the South Coast Air Basin. Riverside County Fire (CAL FIRE) declares burn bans seasonally; during fire season (typically June through November) all open ignition outdoors is prohibited regardless of permit status. Permitted alternatives: yard waste must be placed in green-waste curbside bins (CR&R serves Temecula) or hauled to a transfer station. For large lot/agricultural clearing in unincorporated Riverside County areas adjacent to Temecula, an agricultural burn permit from Riverside County Fire combined with a daily SCAQMD 'burn day' authorization is required, and even those permits are increasingly restricted. Recreational fires in CAL FIRE-approved appliances (manufactured fire pits with spark screens) are generally allowed when no burn ban is active and when proper defensible space/clearance (10 ft from structures, 5 ft from combustibles) is maintained. Charcoal and propane BBQs are exempt from burn bans on private property. Burning in violation can trigger CAL FIRE citation and South Coast AQMD penalties up to $25,000 per day for serious violations; if a fire spreads, the responsible party is liable for full suppression costs.