Mendocino County Air Quality Management District Open Burning

Burn Program links

Winter burn season ends April 30th. Fire agency permits are required May 1

Burn Permits are Required

Adopted changes to open burning regulations (2010)

Credit Card Payments (Call for ID # first)

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Open Burning Information

Open Burning of vegetation is allowed on Permissive Burn Days During Burn Season

Always call the burn line before burning

Standard Burn Permits Are $15

For BURN DAY status call 463-4391

Outside of Ukiah you may call toll free (800)-992-5441 and enter 4391 at the prompt.

Burn permits are required year round.
Open outdoor burning is only allowed on permissive burn days set by the Air Resources Board.
Only vegetative matter may be burned. The vegetation must have grown on the property.
Burn barrels cannot be used in Mendocino County.
Always call the burn information line before burning.
READ the Burn Information Sheet that came with your permit
Burning related to property development requires a permit from the Air District.
If you have any doubts about your need for a permit, call the District Office at (707) 463-4354.
A single 4x4 permit at your home may not require a permit - however it can't be fed from a bigger pile.
All non- residential burning requires a permit.
All burns must be attended by a responsible adult.
Large burns require a Smoke Management Plan
Piled Biomass Calculator (exit site)

Common Questions

What can I burn with a valid permit?

'Brush, trees and vegetation burned on the property where grown'

Burning of any milled lumber, paper, cardboard or other materials is illegal and can result in fines and possible criminal prosecution.

Who decides it is a 'burn day' or a 'no burn day'?

The State Air Resources Board, however the local Air District and Fire Agencies can suspend burning based on local conditions. Some major holidays are always designated no burn days.

What is an inversion and what what does it have to do with open burning?

Inversions are the result of poor air circulation. Mendocino County has significant inversions on a regular basis.

Are all burn permits the same?

All residential burn permits, if issued by a delegated fire agency, are the same, however they may have special conditions for your local area.

There are several types of non-residential burn permits. Some agricultural permits can be issued by Fire Agencies, other larger burn permits can only be issued by the District. If you are planning a non-residential burn it is best to call the District.

For information about recycling and composting please visit the Mendocino County Recycling Guide from MSWMA