California Statewide Outdoor Burning Permit and Smoke Rules

Public Resources Code Sections 4422 through 4494 require CAL FIRE burn permits for any outdoor burning in State Responsibility Areas during declared fire seasons. Health and Safety Code Section 41700 prohibits burning that creates a public nuisance through smoke. Title 17 of the California Code of Regulations and CARB's Smoke Management Guidelines (Section 80100 et seq.) govern agricultural and prescribed burning. No-Burn days declared by local Air Quality Management Districts are enforced statewide under H&S Code 41861. Cities cannot authorize burning that violates these state air quality and fire safety rules.

Burning without a required permit is a misdemeanor; CARB and air district violations may carry civil penalties up to $25,000 per day.