Burn Permits

Note: Burn Season is Closed - No Backyard Burning will be permitted after April 30th or before December 1st. 

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Who is Eligible for a Burn Permit from Central Fire?

Permits from our office are ONLY for residents of Central Fire District (Capitola, Live Oak, Soquel, Aptos, Rio Del Mar and La Selva Beach).  If you are not a resident of our District, please refer to you local fire department for information on how to obtain a burn permit for your address.

For more information on backyard burn requirements, visit our Backyard Burn Regulations Page, or contact the Community Risk Reduction Division at (831) 685-6698.

When is Burn Season?

The annual backyard burn season for burning vegetation runs from December 1st through April 30th.

Where do I Get a Burn Permit?

Residents of one or two family dwellings (who meet the requirements specified) must obtain a permit for backyard burning from our Community Risk Reduction Office. To apply online for a permit, click the red button to the right to open a Backyard Burn Permit application, then submit. Your application will be reviewed in the order it was received and a permit emailed to you, once approved.

On Which Days is Burning Allowed?

Burning will be allowed on permissive "burn days" or "marginal burn days" only, as reported by the Monterey Bay Unified Air Pollution Control District. To check the burn status for the day, call the MBUAPCD hotline at 1-800-CAL-BURN (225-2876).  The burn status hotline will list separate zones for burn days – all permits issued for the Central Fire District are listed in the “COASTAL” burn zone. 

Minimum Property Size for Backyard Burning:

There is a minimum size requirement of at least a ½ acre on residential properties to be considered for backyard burn permits.  The minimum clearance requirement around burn piles has increased from 50’ to 100’ to be in compliance with current Monterey Bay Unified Air Pollution Control District standards. 

Backyard burning that is done without permits or on no-burn days will be subject to fines, where applicable.