Watsonville, CA Fire Regulations: Outdoor Burning (2026)

Section 8-11.02 amends California Fire Code Section 307 for the City of Watsonville. Section 307.1 bars anyone from kindling, maintaining or authorizing open burning within the City of Watsonville unless it is conducted and approved under the following sections, and § 307.1.1 prohibits open burning when atmospheric conditions or local circumstances make fires hazardous. The only exception printed is prescribed burning to reduce the impact of wildland fire, when the fire code official authorizes it.

Approved burning needs a permit. Under § 307.2 a permit from the fire code official, issued in accordance with Section 105.5, is required before kindling a fire for recognized silvicultural or range or wildlife management practices, prevention or control of disease or pests, or a bonfire, and only the owner of the land where the fire will be kindled can apply. Section 307.2.1 adds that where state or local law requires it, open burning is permitted only with prior approval from the state or local air and water quality management authority. Under § 307.3 the fire code official can order a burn extinguished when it creates or adds to a hazardous situation or when the required permit has not been obtained.

Distance and attendance rules follow. Open burning must stay not less than 50 feet from any structure (§ 307.4), with two exceptions: fires in approved containers not less than 15 feet from a structure, and piles 3 feet or less in diameter and 2 feet or less in height, at 25 feet. A bonfire cannot be within 50 feet of a structure or combustible material unless contained in a barbecue pit (§ 307.4.1). Recreational fires need 25 feet (§ 307.4.2). Open burning, bonfires and recreational fires must be constantly attended until extinguished, with a portable extinguisher rated at least 4-A or other approved equipment such as dirt, sand, a water barrel or a garden hose on hand (§ 307.5).