From December 1, 2011 through April 30, 2012 the residential burning of dry yard trimmings is permitted, with some restrictions, in San Benito, Santa Cruz, and Montery Counties. Fires to dispose of dry vegetation cleared prior to a construction project are also permitted. The burning of garbage and treated wood is strictly prohibited at all times.

Burn Only Dry Materials
Best Practices for Backyard Burning

Use Cleaner Methods to Dispose of Vegetation
To avoid pollution and odor impacts to yourself and your neighbors, recycling is a preferred alternative to burning. Weekly green waste pickup, chipping, composting, hauling material to landfills where it will be chipped/mulched, and grazing goats are all cleaner options than burning. Cleaner Alternatives to Open Burning

Burn Smart & Safe

Follow all of your Fire District's fire safety practices.

Burn small piles, clear around them, & have water available.

Be prepared to extinguish the fire if the smoke impacts your neighbors or if conditions become unsafe.

Types of Burns Allowed Only Between December 1, 2011 - April 30, 2012 Listed Below:

Residential Backyard Burns

Residents of one- or two-family dwellings may burn clean and dry yard trimmings. The vegetation must have grown on site. No Air District permit is required. However, burners must check with the local fire agency to see if such burning is allowed and to get necessary permits.

Residential Backyard Burn Checklist

Well in advance, get a permit from your Fire District.

Well in advance, tarp the piles so the material stays dry. Burn Only Dry Vegetation.

After 4:00 p.m. the day before, call 1-800-225-2876 to see if it will be a burn day.

On the morning of the burn, notify your Fire District.

Development Burns

Burning cleared wood and brush from commercial or residential development projects is allowed during the backyard burn season. Contact the Air District to get a permit. Check with your local fire agency for necessary permits.

Development Burn Checklist

Well in advance, tarp the piles so the material stays dry. Burn Only Dry Vegetation.

At least two weeks prior, get permits from the Air District & Fire District.

After 4:00 p.m. the day before, call 1-800-225-2876 to see if it will be a burn day.

On the morning of the burn, notify the Air District & Fire District.

Burn Only on Permissive Burn Days
Permissive burn days are declared when the weather forecast predicts good smoke dispersion conditions. Call 1-800-CAL-BURN (1-800-225-2876) after 4 p.m. to see if the next day will be a burn day.

Learn more about other types of open burns

Cleaner Alternatives to Open Burning
Smoke Management Program
Burn only Dry Materials
District Rule 438 - Open Outdoor Fires