The annual backyard burn season for burning natural vegetation from households in Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz Counties typically opens December 1st of each year and runs through April 30th. Depending on weather conditions this can be changed. Smoke management (backyard burn) permits issued by the Monterey Bay Unified Air Pollution Control District are now REQUIRED for all residential backyard burning in Santa Cruz County. Before burning contact your local Fire District.

Learn Before You Burn

Please take the time to review the documents listed below that pertain to the type of burning you are doing. You are responsible for knowing the regulations!

Backyard Burn Guidelines (pdf)

Backyard burning is allowed only on days when weather conditions will allow the quick dispersion of smoke. Before starting a burn, residents should check the Air District’s Burn Status Hotline which provides the burn status each day. The number is 1-800-CAL-BURN (800-225-2876).

The following brochures are provided by:

Monterey Bay Unified Air Pollution Control District
24580 Silver Cloud Court
Monterey, CA 93940
mbuapcd.org
831-647-9411

• Backyard Burning of Dry Vegetation in San Lorenzo Valley (pdf)
• Warming Fire Guidelines (pdf)
• Backyard Burning Frequently Asked Questions (pdf)
• Instructions on How to Apply for a Backyard Burn Permit (pdf)
• Rule 438: Open Outdoor Fires (pdf)