San Diego County Fire Chief Ends Burn Permit Ban

The suspension of burn permits in San Diego County ended at 8 a.m. on Monday.

San Diego County Fire Chief Tony Mecham officially lifted the restriction. This move allows property owners with valid agricultural or residential permits to begin burning again. Cal Fire specifies that burning is permitted from 8 a.m. until sunset on approved days. The decision affects residents and landowners across the county who rely on controlled fires for property management.

Permit holders must confirm that burning is allowed on a specific day before lighting a fire. They must contact their local Cal Fire station to report their plans. Agricultural burns require an inspection by Cal Fire before ignition. Residential burns may also require an inspection, depending on the assessment of the local station.

Fire officials advised permit holders to maintain strict control over their fires. They emphasized the importance of following all safety guidelines. A fire that spreads beyond the owner's property can result in civil or criminal liability for the responsible party. The department noted that burning piles of forest debris safely can help reduce fire hazards near homes.

State, federal, and local agencies plan to use this period for prescribed burns on both public and private land. These operations aim to improve forest health and resilience. Residents can review the full burn permit rules at burnpermit.fire.gov.